Student groups advocating understanding among the diverse population on campus are hosting the annual No Place for Hate Week.

Fronted by South Campus Organization for Programming Excellence, the week will focus primarily on women’s issues, said Malena Soto, co-adviser of S.C.O.P.E.

‘This week is about diversity with women’s issues; we want women to be the primary aspect,’ Soto said.

S.C.O.P.E. and the Muslim Student Association sponsored a lecture entitled ‘The Women of Islam,’ the first in a week’s worth of events.

”The Women of Islam’ discussion is about the experience of women in Muslim countries,’ said Tracey Gentles, president of S.C.O.P.E. ‘It’s important that people understand different countries have different opportunities for women compared to the United States.’

On Tuesday Team Against Bias will host a lecture by Loretta Ross, one of the first black women to direct a rape crisis center in the United States. Ross will speak in room 201 in the Goldstein Student Center at 7 p.m.

Wednesday’s event will be co-sponsored by the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Resource Center. The activity, entitled ‘How to be an Ally’ will focus on how students can be more understanding towards the LGBT community, said Adrea Jaehnig, the LGBT director. It takes place at 7 p.m. in room 201 of the Goldstein Student Center.

‘(The activity) will cover the myths and misconceptions of the LGBT community,’ Jaehnig said.

Jaehnig also stressed the importance of people dismissing homophobia and being more aware of how the feelings affect the rest of the Syracuse University community. ‘How to be an Ally’ should help bring these issues to light.

‘I hope people realize there are people who are more supportive (of LGBT) issues than they might think,’ Jaehnig said.

Jaehnig said it is important for people to come to the ‘How to be an Ally’ discussion because homophobia has an impact on everyone on campus, not just those in the LGBT community.

On Thursday, S.C.O.P.E. will host a No Place for Hate Trivia Night, in which students will learn about the several forms of diversity and biases against specific groups, Soto said. The trivia night will take place at 7 p.m. in the Goldstein dining center.

The final event of the week is ‘The Meltdown’ dance held at the Skybarn at 10 p.m. Friday night. The cost of the dance is one dollar, and all proceeds will go towards the Vera House, a charity that benefits women who are victims of domestic abuse.

Soto said S.C.O.P.E. will use the money raised at the dance to purchase items that the Vera House is in need of.

Sarah Young, advisor for S.C.O.P.E., said she hopes No Place for Hate Week is a success this year.

‘It’s a really important week and I hope students will turn out,’ she said.

Published on February 14, 2005 at 12:00 pm