UWSP installs first United Against Hate student chapter

Metro Wire Staff

Students at UW-Stevens Point students have formed the first university student chapter of We Are Many – United Against Hate.

The student organization’s goal is to fight racism, hate, and bigotry and promote diversity, inclusivity, and tolerance. According to a news release from the university, the group plans to achieve its goals initially by “engaging students and community members in educational events and reading/discussion groups focused on social injustice topics.”

UWSP is a good location for the first chapter, said Yazeed Allan, a senior majoring in biochemistry who is the chapter president.

“As a rural area that is less diverse, we have an opportunity to outreach and educate people about unity in diversity,” Allan said. “The best way to ensure everyone is safe and respected is through understanding.”

Allan, an international student originally from Palestine, has lived in Stevens Point for more than three years and said the community has been welcoming. He is the social justice coordinator of the school’s Diversity and College Access office and inclusivity director for the Student Government Association.

“We plan to continue our work toward social justice, creating a society where the rights of marginalized and minority communities are protected, by educating our community and campaigning for love and respect for one another,” said Masood Akhtar, Madison, founder of the national We Are Many – United Against Hate.

Akhtar will provide more information about the organization Thursday, Dec. 3, at 5 p.m. as part of the Diversity and College Access series “Speak, Amplify and Stand.” For access to the virtual program visit www.uwsp.edu/dca/Pages/default.aspx.

To learn more about the organization, visit www.united-against-hate.org.

To learn more about social justice work at UW-Stevens Point, contact Sam Dinga, Diversity and College Access director, at [email protected] or Allan at [email protected].