Published by Communications and Public Affairs 519 824-4120, Ext. 56982 or 53338

Campus Bulletin

November 06, 2006

Annual Hate Crimes Vigil Wednesday

Students from across campus will unite against hate crimes in Canada and around the world during the University’s annual Hate Crimes Vigil Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. in the Grad Lounge.

The event, hosted by Residence Life, will feature speakers, readings and a slide show presentation, followed by a candlelight vigil in Branion Plaza.

The event began in 1998 in response to the tragic death of University of Wyoming student Matthew Shepard, who was targeted and killed because of his sexual orientation. “Since this date, University of Guelph students have rallied in support of a hate crime-free campus by coming together to celebrate diversity at the annual vigil,” says Jamie Forrest, a fourth-year microbiology student and co-chair of this year’s vigil.

The event also aims to enhance awareness and to motivate change, and is an opportunity to acknowledge and support the victims of hate crimes and their friends and families, he says.

“It’s imperative now more than ever that students, faculty and staff make a strong statement that hate crimes will not be tolerated at the University of Guelph. We have an obligation as students of this university to speak loudly about how we want others to view our campus.”

For more information on this event, contact Forrest at Ext. 54893 or jforrest@uoguelph.ca.