"Wall of Prejudice" knocked down at Carroll University

WAUKESHA -- A project called the "Wall of Prejudice" was knocked down during the lunch hour Thursday, April 19th. The wall at Carroll University was designed to break down stereotypes and kick start conversation.

This week, Carroll students were invited to write words on the wall that are used to discriminate and stereotype. FOX6 News is not able to show you most of those words.

There's been public concern however, because there's a middle school nearby and it's not clear how kids would react to the wall and the words on it.

The Pi Lambda Phi fraternity came up with the idea for the “Wall of Prejudice.” Its members believe the intention of the wall was to help bring awareness to the things that people find hurtful. They hoped it would stimulate conversation. "I just learned that some faculty in classes, students have been asking if they can take time to talk about it in their classes and that's the whole point of it is to have discussions," Carroll University Dean of Students Theresa Barry said.

Students say breaking down prejudices and stereotypes may take some time. "It won't be just as simple as it's going to stop once we tear this wall down, but the conversations are taking place," one Carroll student said.

Carroll students tore the wall down with hammers and bats on Thursday – symbolically breaking down the prejudices. "It's a great emotional release - a stress reliever, what have you, and just a little bit of fun to help tear that down," one Carroll student said.

Carroll University officials approved the wall, and say it is drawing a lot of attention. Negative feedback caused school officials to move the wall farther from the street, but not too far to stop the stimulation of student conversation.

Carroll University wants to work on more experiments like this in the future. The campus wants to branch out to the elementary schools. The idea being, if you get the dialogue started early enough, the problem will be eliminated.

The fraternity raised money for programs that eliminate prejudice during the tearing down of the wall - one swing for $1, or five swings for $3.

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