The Observer, April 13, 2007
Volume XXXIX, Issue 24
Writings on the Wall program tears down barriers
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Murray Hill College Council (MHCC) is working to celebrate the diversity on Case's campus through the introduction of their project, "The Writings on the Wall: The Breakdown of Life."
"The Writings on the Wall" consists of two main components – a 10-foot by six-foot concrete wall, on which all members of the Case community will be allowed to share personal experiences next Wednesday to Friday, and a ceremony during Community Hour.
Christina Mastrangelo, the MHCC advisor, presented the idea of the wall last fall after seeing a similar project on another college's campus.
Upon hearing Mastrangelo's idea, the members of MHCC were immediately receptive.
"The council felt very passionate about the concept and the need to address and discuss these issues on campus and decided to start it as a possible campus tradition," said Emma Adebayo, one of the MHCC vice presidents.
By facilitating this project, "the MHCC strives to educate, enlighten, and empower our diverse campus community to recognize the ways in which we oppress each other to construct positive change in the future," said Mastrangelo.
Only in recent history have the voices of disenfranchised groups, including people of color, homosexuals, the impoverished, women, and religious groups outside the Judeo-Christian realm, been heard. "The Writings on the Wall" allows the experiences of those who have been consistently and systematically silenced to be acknowledged and celebrated, while creating a more inclusive picture of American society and Case's campus.
By allowing all stories, voices, and opinions to be heard, "The Writings on the Wall" project sheds light on systemic and personal oppression through educating the community on difference and the need to respect and appreciate that which makes people different.
The words and symbols written on the wall represent ways in which people oppress each other and the literal barriers they create in society, according to Emma Adebayo and Christina Mastrangelo.
While the words and symbols expressed on the wall may educate and enlighten those not aware of other's experiences, they may also offend and enrage those who have personal and intimate encounters with them. However, neither MHCC, nor the volunteers manning the wall, will attempt to censor those participating in the project.
Both Mastrangelo and Adebayo note how continuing to censor or stifle the experiences of the oppressed will only help in proliferating society's problems. Therefore, the MHCC invites all students, staff, administration, faculty, and community members to share their feelings, experiences, and thoughts candidly.
The wall, which will be constructed and placed in KSL Oval on Wednesday, will be torn down on Friday at 12:30 p.m. during Community Hour, symbolizing the tearing down of discrimination on campus. Following the destruction of the wall, G. Dean Patterson, an Associate Vice President of Student Affairs, will speak on issues surrounding diversity and the barriers disallowing unity and tolerance.
MHCC has received an abundance of help in executing "The Writings on the Wall." Student organizations, departments, and even community businesses have come together to make this program succeed. The Office of Multicultural Affairs will train volunteers. Both Sherwin Williams and Home Depot will provide paint and financial resources.
In addition to many other groups, MHCC will also receive help from Educational Services for Students, the Center for Women, Case African Student Association, Greek Life, Case Protective Services, and Case Landscaping and Grounds.
The council still needs volunteers to man the wall and explain the purpose and significance of the project to those passing by. To participate in "The Writings on the Wall" for a three hour shift, individuals or organizations can contact Sheeba Joseph at smj13@case.edu.
Participants will be trained in order to cultivate full comprehension of the project. Additionally, the MRCC is working to attain food, lawn chairs, T-shirts, and the company of Case Protective Services for those helping.
While the members of MHCC realize even an event as well-coordinated as "The Writings on the Wall" cannot transform campus, they hope its completion will initiate the creation of other programs which recognize and celebrate the diversity which exists within Case's campus.
