When the Vanderbilt Commodores and Georgia Bulldogs take the field on Aug. 31, it will be an opportunity for both teams to not just set expectations for their seasons but even more importantly to raise awareness about sexual violence and relationship violence awareness.
The SEC is launching its “Set the Expectation” program this season and it starts with both teams wearing purple and teal patches to raise awareness across the country.
The teal patch represents sexual violence awareness, while the purple patch represents awareness for relationship violence.
Vanderbilt will usher in the start of the program with the support of Brenda Tracy, who started the program and spoke with the Commodores in June to share her own sexual violence survival story and to send a message to the young men.
Before the game kicks off, the first 10,000 fans at Vanderbilt Stadium will receive “Set the Expectations” t-shirts. Players and coaches will also be wearing the shirts before the game. Tracy also serves on the NCAA’s Commission to Combat Campus Sexual Violence.
A teal and purple ribbon will be painted on the field and the athletic department is hosting donation drives for the Tennessee Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence and Vanderbilt’s Project Safe.
More information about Tracy’s “Set the Expectation” program can be found here.