Gu Student Takes Action Against Hate Five Days Of Events Designed To Help Give Campus A Voice Against Intolerance

Fri., Oct. 8, 1999

By Rob McDonald robm@spokesman.com

A Gonzaga University student organized five day’s worth of events designed to give the campus an outlet and a voice against hate and intolerance.

In conjunction with Churches Against Racism, Stephen Hansen, a GU student, put together a program called “Walking the Talk of Respect: Five Days of Action,” which begins Sunday.

The program begins with an event sponsored by Churches Against Racism. At 5 p.m. Sunday, the faith group will lead a march from Temple Beth Shalom, 1322 E. 30th, and walk two miles down Grand Boulevard to the Cathedral of St. John, 127 E. 12th.

“One of my goals is to say it’s everyone’s responsibility,” Hansen said. “Even though it may not directly affect you, it does affect you.”

Also supporting the effort are the Gonzaga office of academic vice president for diversity, Gonzaga Student Body Association and Gonzaga Activities Board.

Throughout the week, students are encouraged to write on “the wall”, a structure that’s continually painted by students throughout the year. Hansen hopes students will write stories and feelings about justice and respect.

The week’s events on the GU campus include:

Voter registration, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday, Crosby Student Center. Students can register to vote. At noon, the campaign manager for No On Discrimination will speak. The group is fighting a city ballot measure that would end legal protections based on sexual orientation.

Candlelight vigil, 7:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesday at the wall outside the Crosby Student Center. The event will commemorate those who have been persecuted.

A panel discussion of “Can I Be Religious and Opposed to Discrimination?”, 7-9 p.m. Wednesday in the Crosby Center. Community and campus religious leaders leaders will highlight how religion can be an asset in fighting injustice and discrimination.

President’s address, 7-9 p.m. Thursday. GU President Robert Spitzer will speak and take questions from the audience.

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