Though Black feminism and Black women activists had been actively addressing gender inequality for decades, by the 1990s, feminism was increasingly being critiqued as being a movement focused only on white, middle class women and the issues they faced, including gender inequality at work and at home. The emergence of intersectional theory, rooted deeply in Black feminist theory, marks the beginning of the third wave of feminism and a focus on addressing the intersecting systems of oppression including patriarchy, white supremacy and modern capitalism. At the University of Delaware Black students held many protests in response to both national and campus events, and the women and gender studies program offered classes that included intersectional approaches, including Race, Ethnicity, and Culture which was introduced in 1991.
Gender-Based Violence and Sexual Violence
Several sexual assaults took place on campus during the 90s while Sexual Assault Awareness week (Oct 3-Oct 9) was created and included general information as well as resources for survivors.
Reproductive Justice
A new pro-choice club, the University of Delaware Coalition for Choice (UDCC) formed while UD became one of the first major colleges to offer the female contraceptive Norplant after several students requested it.
LGBTQ+ Rights and Representation
The Lesbian Gay Bisexual Student Union held a “Die In” protest to raise awareness about violence against the LGBTQ+ community and UD held a symposium to focus on the campus climate for LGBTQ+ students.
