Clothesline Project
The Clothesline Project is a visual display created to give a voice to survivors of violence and to honor those we've lost. Each shirt represents a personal experience, with colors and messages telling stories that are often difficult to share. The shirts on display serve as a powerful reminder that these stories are part of our community.
The College of Eastern Idaho Clothesline Project brings students, employees, survivors, community members, and local organizations that support victims of violence together to raise awareness, remember those who have been lost, and show support for those who have experienced violence.
We invite you to join us, learn from the stories represented, and stand with survivors and our community.
October 2026 Clothesline Project Events:
- October 20th - Display and Shirt Making, 11:00 AM-2:00 PM, CEI Cafeteria
- October 21st - Luncheon and Program, 11:30 AM-1:00 PM, CEI Cafeteria and Room 306
- October 22nd - Display and Shirt Making, 11:00 AM-2:00 PM, CEI Cafeteria
The Purpose
The purpose of the project is to increase awareness of a dark reality that often stays invisible in the shadows of the communities we live in. By channeling the voices of the survivors, we can bring the truth out into the light so that we may confront and address the forces that have fueled this destructive epidemic while honoring the strength and courage of the individuals who are still here to tell their stories.
Why Visit
Everyone is welcome to visit the display, whether or not you plan to make a shirt. The luncheon features student speakers and local organizations sharing resources available to survivors right here in eastern Idaho.
Make a shirt
Anyone can create a shirt during the event with supplies provided. You are welcome to share your story or express support for someone you care about. You can make your shirt at the event or take one home to create on your own. Shirts created for the project become part of the Clothesline display and are carried forward for future events. If you prefer to keep your shirt, that's okay too.
Share
Talking about violence can feel uncomfortable, but silence keeps it hidden. The Clothesline Project exists to bring these conversations into the open, to let survivors know they are not alone, and to remind our community that support is here. When we share these stories, we help take away the stigma that keeps so many from coming forward.
Use your senses to better understand the stories
Different colors of t-shirts represent different kinds of violence
White: Represents someone who died due to violence
Yellow: Survivor of physical assault or domestic violence
Purple: Someone attacked because of their sexual orientation
Blue and Green: Survivor of incest or childhood sexual abuse
Brown and Gray: Survivor of emotional, spiritual, or verbal abuse
Orange, Pink, and Red: Survivor of rape or sexual assault
Black: Someone disabled as the result of an attack or someone assaulted because of a disability
Different sounds represent the frequency of certain statistics
Gong: Indicates someone is being battered.
Whistle: Indicates a rape is being reported. Keep in mind most rapes are not reported.
Bell: Indicates that some have died in a violent attack.
Bringing community awareness for survivors of violence
The Clothesline Project provides participants with the opportunity to contribute to an interactive visual display which depicts the under-represented and overlooked statistical profile of individuals impacted by violent acts. Anyone who has been touched by such acts of violence is invited to share their personal message on a t-shirt which will be added to exhibit.
Get Help
Call 911 if you or someone else is in danger of being harmed
Counseling Center
The CEI Counseling Center only offers mental health counseling. For assistance with course registration please reach out to Admissions.