Students, faculty, and staff members joined President Rebecca Chopp and Dean Liz Braun in addressing the campus community during the United in Safety and Justice event held on Parrish Beach on May 1. Many participants wore white in a demonstration of solidarity.

The event was prompted by incidents of hate speech on campus this semester, the most recent a chalking near a dorm late last week, that targeted members of the LGBTQ community. A Collection addressing that specific incident was also held on Friday.

"A threat made against any of us is a threat against all of us, and it will take all of us coming together to address these issues," Chopp said. "I have confidence in our collective ability to provide the support necessary for each other when faced with these difficult circumstances, and to ensure our environment is safe and supportive for everyone."