By Cochise Lucas (Staff Writer)
The exhibit, set up in the amphitheater, depicted several scenes where hate crimes have taken place.
“Hate Kills,†the exhibit displayed in Wesley’s amphitheater through October showed a series of photographs representing different places in which hate violence has taken place.
Created by photojournalist Lynn Johnson, the cross-shaped structure is outlined with the words, “Every day, eight blacks, three whites, three gays, three Jews, and one Latino are victims of hate violence.â€
The exhibit was the last one of a lecture series, Wesley College freshmen year experience, which included “Embracing Real Beauty†and “Hazing – When Will it End?†which were presented as an opportunity for the campus to learn about issues facing today’s students.
Although there have been no reported incidents of hate violence on the Wesley campus, students feel strongly about the subject.
“I don’t like to discriminate, and this exhibit really makes me dislike those who do,†said junior Marquis James.
The exhibit was initially planned to stay in the amphitheater until the end of October; it remained there throughout November.
Inside of the exhibit are several pictures displaying scenes where acts of hate violence have taken place. One of these is a picture from a church in Birmingham, Ala., where four young girls were bombed and killed by the Ku Klux Klan.
“Being on such a diverse campus, it is important to understand that we are all adults with different values and beliefs, and it is not OK to express violence for difference,†said Mary-Alice Ozechoski, dean of students. “I think this piece can help students to have dialogue with these issues. Dialogue is important for development.â€
The exhibit impacted students all over campus.
“It really made me think about the present time,†said Tonya Gomez, a freshman. “It’s crazy how even though we live in a more diverse world now, hate crime is still more common than we think.â€
Walter Beaupre, director of safety and security, said that there have been no reported instances of hate violence, and he feels that students really respect others and their values and beliefs.
The exhibit featured a wall where students could write messages against hate.
“I don’t think there is anything Wesley can do to prevent hate crime, but it’s up to students to socialize and intermingle,†James said.
Brian Orthman, a junior, also said he has not witnessed any acts of hate violence on campus.
“I believe it is wrong to attack someone for their skin color or sexual orientation,†Orthman said.
Students do a good job of not judging people because of race or sex, said Justin Sacchet, a junior.
“Because of the diversity, I think it really helps people to socialize and not shun others just because of differences,†Sacchet said.
All photos taken by Cochise Lucas.
