Starting Feb. 27, a “Stop the Hate” campaign began in order to bring awareness for the importance of diversity in the community. The campaign was held in light of recent hate crimes on campus. The first event was held in Schlosser Residence hall lobby and included a “Wall of Hate,” which allowed students to post messages of hatred they have endured from others, and then tear the wall down at the end of the night.
The committee in charge of the campaign, The Inclusive Programming Committee, is made up of various area coordinators and resident assistants (RAs). Maggie Flynn, co-chair of the group, was responsible for monitoring the “Wall of Hate.” “We wanted to have people writing words on the wall that they feel are discriminatory or dehumanizing,” Flynn said. “Then we will tear down the wall, and it will symbolize the tearing down of the hateful messages.” Many words were written on the wall, and as people passed by, Flynn encouraged them to write more. After the wall was torn down, Flynn read a short speech stating the purpose of the event and its significance.
The Inclusive Programming Committee has other future events planned as well. The hope is that a “Wall of Hate” type event can be created on a bigger scale, potentially in a more accessible place. There is also an event titled “B.E.A.D. Who You Are,” with B.E.A.D. standing for Become Educated About Diversity.
The event will be held March 31 and will allow people to make jewelry that reflects diversity through symbolic beads.

These are only a few of the events planned, as the committee hopes to continue to promote discussions about diversity across campus.
Other contributions to the campaign have come from faculty, such as the “Stop the Hate” posters that are circulating around campus. The posters were created by Dr. Amy Milligan, adjunct professor of religious studies, and Dr. Kimberly Adams, associate professor of English. The thought sprang out of a conversation they had about offering a tangible way to show faculty support for the cause. Many of the posters can be seen hanging up around campus.
The campaign has been met with positivity and hope that it will combat the recent hate shown toward others. “I think that hate messages will always be something that shock and sadden me,” Milligan said. “Still, I have hope that the types of conversations we are now having as a campus community will help to move us toward a place of tolerance and understanding.” Marissa Aulenbach, sophomore RA and member of the committee, maintains high spirits as well. “I think the best thing is seeing people’s positive reactions to this. Even if we touch a few people through this I think we’ve met our goal.”