Wittenberg University is hosting Unity Week 2018 and the Choose a Better Word campaign, beginning Monday, Nov. 5 through Friday, Nov. 9.
All events are being offered to the campus on behalf of the McClain Center for Diversity, Concerned Black Students, American International Association, the Gender and Sexual Diversity Alliance, and Shades of Pearls.
“The student organizations have banded together to continue the tradition of a week of programming centered around unity and respect,” said Joshua Moore, assistant dean of diversity and inclusion. “There will be an event each day that highlights or celebrates unity in some aspect. The students and I are excited about the week.”
As part of the Choose a Better Word campaign, a brick wall will be constructed on Wednesday morning along the side of the Benham-Pence Student Center facing New Hall where members of the Wittenberg community can chalk words deemed offensive throughout the week. The wall will be torn down as a public commitment to choosing a better word during a short ceremony at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 9.
Moore explained that the hope for the Choose a Better Word campaign is to “shift the language we use to describe actions and people. We want to be known as a community where respect happens so why not start with our language and the words we choose.”
Other events throughout the week include a unity photo booth, arts and crafts, a celebration of diversity, and a community potluck. In addition, on Nov. 5-9, an All In For You Week of Advocacy program will take place featuring a Live Your Truth Vigil at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 8, along Alumni Way near Wally Witt.
