“Peace by Piece: The Writing on the Wall” Project Coming to OSU Campus April 13-16

Thursday, April 9, 2009

(STILLWATER, Ok., April 9, 2009) -- The Social Justice and Inclusion Committee of Oklahoma State University’s Housing and Residential Life will be presenting the campus wide program “Peace by Piece: The Writing on the Wall” April 13-16.

The purpose of the project is to spread awareness of oppression, prejudice, and discrimination by confronting the words that convey these feelings.  It is the goal of the project to increase knowledge of these behaviors and gain overall tolerance and acceptance.  

The wall will stand for three days on the Edmon Low Library Lawn providing students, staff, and faculty with a chance to paint words on the wall which they have deemed offensive and inappropriate.  On the final day, the wall will physically be pulled down and broken into pieces to symbolize the removal of these words and their impact on the campus.  Through the act of constructing a wall representing the oppression of others – and bringing down this structure – participants experience the power to create positive change for the future.

In order to celebrate the importance of the week, the Social Justice and Inclusion Committee has joined with the Student Union Activities Board (SUAB) and with Anthony Walker from the Office of Institutional Diversity to act as a speaker for the event.   A schedule of the week’s events is:

April 13: The American Institute for Architecture Students will construct the 20’ x 6’ cinder block wall on the Library Lawn with the oversight of Professor Randy Seitsinger

Empty Your Hangers: Clothing Drive Service Project by North Monroe Housing Area

April 14: SUAB Movie: “MILK” and the Opening of the Wall

April 15: Day of Silence, sponsored by the Kerr Drummond Hall Government

April 16: Tearing Down the Wall and Closing Ceremony sponsored by the Eskimo Joe’s Road Crew

Student and staff volunteers will be stationed at the wall to answer questions, provide information, and to ensure the safety and freedom of speech for those participating.  While this program can be controversial, it has been completed on dozens of campuses across the nation and the concern can help increase dialog about hate speech.  

OSU Housing and Residential Life houses more than 4,800 students in twenty-four residences halls, and offers three types of housing options: community style halls, suites, and apartments.  The department employs 50 full-time and 300 part-time workers, and offers more than 350 student leadership positions.