Thursday, April 10, 2008

A University of North Carolina Wilmington student-organized campus Hope/Hate Wall event closed Wednesday, April 9 with a ceremony celebrating hope for the end of intolerance and injustice.

In an effort to promote positive discussion about tolerance as it relates to diversity, UNC Wilmington students gave their peers the opportunity to write about their personal experiences with intolerance on a "Wall of Hate," and to express words of optimism on a "Wall of Hope." From April 7 to 9, the walls traveled across campus, accompanied by information about embracing diversity. Individuals also were given the opportunity to sign a vow to take a stand against hatred and intolerance.

To celebrate the symbolism of the Wall of Hope, the final ceremony culminated with the symbolic demolition of the Wall of Hate and a campus discussion about ways to effectively combat intolerance.

Students planned a year-long series of events focused on honest campus dialogue about intolerance and diversity.

Carolyn Farley, executive director of campus life, said, "After conversations with the campus, the students felt there was a genuine desire to confront intolerance and initiate change in an effective way. There have been numerous educational training opportunities on diversity initiated by the students. This is one of many ways they have chosen to promote discussion and understanding."

Acknowledging the sensitive nature of addressing the pain of intolerance, student Stephen Greenwood and the Student Government Association's Breaking Down Hate council studied the positive impact that similar Hope/Hate Walls had on many other institutions.

Media Contacts:

Joy Davis, Marketing and Communications, 910.962.3616 or davisjc@uncw.edu