UCSC held a community forum on hate and bias at College Nine & College Ten on Monday, February 6, 2012. The forum, called Breaking the Silence: Courageous Leadership for a Better Community, featured keynote speakers from Diversity Matters Now!, a spoken word performance by UCSC alum Storm Thomas, and three breakout sessions that offered opportunities for the over 300 attendees to expose, learn about, ask questions, and act against hate and bias at UCSC.
The event also served to launch UCSC’s “No Place for Hate” campaign and highlight College Nine and College Ten’s ongoing efforts to build an inclusive and safe community. College Nine and College Ten have offered several opportunities for community engagement, enrichment, and education around diversity, inclusion, and issues of hate. These include the Stand Strong Against Hate campaign, the Stand Strong Against Hate pledge, and the Shades of Gray photography project.
Stand Strong Against Hate
In Winter 2010, College Nine and College Ten began the Stand Strong Against Hate campaign in response to instances of hate, racism, and homophobia on several University of California campuses. Launched by the CoCurricular Programs Office, the first installation of this campaign asked people to consider the historical context and impact of the racist iconography and homophobic language used in the incidents of racism and homophobia on UC campuses. The displays also encouraged members of the community to educate themselves on these issues and provided resources for students to do so.
The Stand Strong Against Hate campaign has grown into a collaboration between several units at College Nine and College Ten and includes displays, events, and a pledge that encourages members of their communities to work toward fostering a just, inclusive, and safe environment for all of their members. Displays change topics monthly or quarterly and have included hate symbols, bullying, nonviolent communication and conflict resolution, the power of words, and tools and techniques to counteract hate and bias.
The Stand Strong Against Hate Pledge
In Spring 2011, College Nine and College Ten asked members of their communities to sign a pledge to stand strong against hate. In just one day, over 300 people signed the pledge. An additional 50 signed the pledge at the campus forum on February 6, 2012. Anyone wishing to take part in this pledge can visit any of the College Nine and College Ten offices.
- I will speak up when I hear language that hurts, marginalizes or degrades. I will try to engage the speaker in thinking about the possible impact of their words, seeking help if needed.
- I will intervene when I see bullying or violent behavior.
- I will educate myself in order to help facilitate a more inclusive and supportive community at my college, university, and in the wider community.
- I agree to do my part to keep our communities safe and inclusive.
To make my community strong and healthy, I personally pledge to STAND STRONG AGAINST HATE.
Shades of Gray Photography Project
The Shades of Gray photography project began in Winter 2012 in response to an incident of hate in the College Nine and College Ten communities. Initiated by the College Nine and College Ten Activities Office, this collaborative project features photos of participants who were asked to complete statements such as, “I am not,” “I define hate as,” and “I do not deserve.” Drawing from personal experiences, participants made a variety of declarations about being more that the stereotypes that society has given them. Statements included, “I am a woman, and I am NOT weak,” I do not deserve to be seen as a joke,” and “I am not controlled.”
