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Our students in the Department of Social Work are constantly on the move helping others. This semester, two of our majors lead the way to "Erase The Hate" in a campaign to raise awareness about hate crimes. Blade (junior) and Shelly (sophomore) used their community organizing skills to gain the support of the Gay-Straight Alliance, the Departments of Theater and Social Work, Brite Divinity School, the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life, and Student Life in a three-week long programming event.
Events included the Theater Department's production of The Laramie Project, several community conversations lead by Thomas Howard, Programs Director at the Matthew Shepard Foundation, a tribute to TCU's alumnus Morris Kight, and a candlelight vigil honoring the memory of Matthew Shepard. In addition, Brite Divinity School also hosted Harry Knox, Director of the Religion and Faith Program at the Human Rights Campaign whose message was clear: Hate Crimes happen every day even in Fort Worth and possibly on our campus. We need only ask if our GLBTQ brothers and sisters are afraid to answer the question for ourselves.
In this 10th year since Matthew's death, Blade and Shelly felt it was important for students and especially the Gay-Straight Alliance, of which they are both members and officers, to observe current needs for legislation to protect at-risk populations which include groups often discriminated against based on race, sexual orientation, and gender identity.
As Blade said, "This campaign was not only centered on raising awareness of hate crimes, but also reaching out to all students who struggle with discrimination. We wanted to let them know they are not alone and that it is a positive thing to be open about themselves. Our guest speakers, Harry Knox of the Human Rights Campaign and Thomas Howard of the Matthew Shepard Foundation, were able to connect with us by means of their own experiences and show us the strength and pride with which they live their lives."
Shelly added, "To be a part of this campaign meant that I was a part of a new 'coming out' process. The issues we addressed are no longer left in the dark, and I hope that we made an impact on students across campus just by being visible."