RIT Stands Against Racism

‌

A. Sue Weisler

This year’s Stand Against Racism march takes place at noon on April 27 and starts at the Sundial on the residential side of campus. RIT’s faculty, staff and students participated in the 2011 march, and the university was one of nearly 100 Rochester organizations participating.

Tigers come in assorted sizes and wear different stripes.

The RIT community is invited to participate in the Stand Against Racism march, taking place at noon on April 27. The march begins at the Sundial, with a discussion on “Racism: Is it Still Prevalent?” beginning at 1 p.m.

The discussion is part of Gray Matters, a monthly dialogue where students, faculty and staff can talk about timely issues in a safe environment. Participants can also sign a Stand Against Racism pledge or comment on the event blog. There will also be a variety of prize giveaways and food.

Registration is required, and the first 150 people will receive a free T-shirt to commemorate the event. Participants will also qualify to win tickets for the B.o.B concert at 8 p.m. April 28 in the Gordon Field House and Activities Center.

The Stand Against Racism event is spearheaded by the national YWCA. More than 100 local organizations and businesses, including RIT, took part in the 2011 event, generating the second-highest number of marchers at participating sites in the U.S, according to the national YWCA. Nearly 100 students, faculty and staff from RIT marched down the Quarter Mile to the Campus Center, united in this national initiative to stamp out racism in communities. Additionally, students from RIT’s School of Film and Animation and their professor, Mark Foggetti, collaborated with the YWCA of Rochester and Monroe County on a series of public service announcements for the campaign. The spots that featured local religious leaders, business executives and members of the media, aired on Rochester television stations.

The campus event is sponsored by RIT’s Office for Diversity and Inclusion, Center for Campus Life, AALANA Collegiate Association and Global Union.

Several events will lead up to the march, including films in the Cultural Film Series: The First Gender on April 17 and The 16^th Man on April 24.

Films begin at 6 p.m. in the Campus Center Bamboo Room. They are free and open to students, faculty and staff.