Story originally printed in the La Crosse Tribune or online at www.lacrossetribune.com

 

Published - Sunday, October 21, 2007

Help make the world better

The purpose of a university should be to promote education, diversity, the development of informed and active citizens and nonviolent resolutions to conflicts. In keeping with these principles, the diversity organizations of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse will organize and host “Peace, Not Prejudice Week” from Monday, Oct. 22, through Friday, Oct. 26. We want to address and dispel the myths, misconceptions and apathy that are so pervasive on campus and in society.

A Monday night panel will discuss the peaceful nature of Islam. Tuesday morning will focus on the issue of language and its powerful effect on humanity. In the evening, presentations will be given on religions.

Wednesday’s themes are solidarity and activism. A peace walk will start at the Clock Tower at 5 p.m.. for UW-L students and at the post office at 5:30 p.m. for other community members.

A peace walk will finish at Riverside Park, where a ceremony will commence with key speakers. The ceremony will conclude with the releasing of paper cranes into the river by candlelight.

Thursday will be International Violence and Rape Awareness Day. That night there will be a panel presentation on international women’s issues.

Friday will feature a film festival that will start at 5 p.m., with films that show different cultures, different lifestyles and the plight of the oppressed in the United States and worldwide.

If we all work together, we can help to change the world for the better, but first we must learn its problems and how they are perpetuated. Here is a link to the full schedule: www.uwlcampusclimate. blogspot.com

 

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