The Pointer UW-Stevens Point Student Newspaper
On Thursday, Nov. 17, the community joined together on campus at the Sundial to honor those who have passed away or suffered from hate crimes.
The vigil, along with other activities through the week, addressed incidents that have been happening at a local and national level. In recent weeks, many hurtful incidents have been requested to be recognized.
The Student Government Association hosted not only the vigil but each activity this week to address inclusivity on campus.
The vigil involved speakers from multicultural and ethnic organizations, volunteers and faculty members such as Chancellor Bernie Patterson and Vice Chancellor Al Thompson.
Posters honoring those who had passed away due to hate crimes were displayed and candles were lit to honor all those who suffered or are suffering.
Ta Xiong, senior English major and inclusivity director for SGA, was a key player in creating the open forums and the vigil.
“I was a little skeptical of the idea at first because I work with students and it’s really hard to get students to attend anything,” Xiong said.
The turnout for the events this week ended being above what Xiong had expected. Many students, faculty members, and community members attended and shared their support for victims of hate or bias incidents.
One victim of hate crimes is Bubba Baldwin, senior theater major.
After the recent presidential election, Baldwin’s dorm door was vandalized with a racial slur and “Trump for prez” written below it.
Baldwin said he has been familiar with hate crimes on campus and has lost respect for his university. Beyond the vigil, he wants more conversations about diversity so students gain a respect for one another.
“You don’t have to accept everything. Just get a basic understanding,” Baldwin said.
Baldwin said the subject of diversity has gained momentum recently and should not be stopped. The more conversations that happen, the more progress can be made about issues involving racism, homophobia and sexism.
“Basic human rights are being taken away and violated,” Baldwin said. “It’s very important that we have these conversations.”
Although this vigil is not a direct response to the recent presidential election, much of the hate and fear has been sparked from election results.
“I’m asking people to not make this about Trump, but more so the ideas that were validated by that,” Xiong said.
The time from conception to execution of these events was only one week, with the help of many dedicated students and faculty.
Aside from Xiong, other important people behind these events included Bryan Richmond, treasurer for comparative religions club, and Ron Strege, advisor for the SGA.
By reaching out to multicultural and ethnic organizations and advertising to the public, the events caught the attention of many members of the campus and beyond.
Erin Malone, student at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, attended the vigil and was in support of victims and allies coming together in times of need.
“I’m here just to be an ally to people and stand up for what I believe in,” Malone said.
Among the list of people honored at the vigil, was the student from UW-Stout who died because of hate crimes.
Xiong said that students from the Stevens Point campus knew this student and have not had proper time to grieve their loss. The vigil gave time and space to those who needed to step back and honor the people they care about.
“Hate and fear and ignorance have already killed people this year – has caused loved individuals to die,” Xiong said. “We are better than that and we can rise up from it and stand for each other with each other.”
Alexa Dickson
News Editor
alexa.s.dickson@uwsp.edu
