Writing on the Wall Project

The Writing on the Wall Project is a project originating from University Housing with the collaboration of New Student Family Programs, The Associated Student Government, Residents’ Interhall Congress, and The Center for Multicultural and Diversity Education under the Division of Student Affairs. The Writing on the Wall Project is both a shared community and personal experience for students, staff, and faculty to confront and process oppressive and derogatory language here on the University of Arkansas campus.

The project allows us to build a wall on the Maple South Lawn where students, staff, and faculty will be encouraged to paint any oppressive or derogatory words or phrases that have either been used towards them or they have overheard being used towards another group on individual with the intention of hurting them or someone they know.

The wall will stand for a week for painting and at the end of the week, the campus community will come together to break the wall down, thereby symbolically breaking down the barriers that separate us. One of the goals of the project is to create a dialogue about the language used and the impact that language has on others. Furthermore, we hope that participants will recognize their power to be an advocate for positive change and acceptance for current and future Razorbacks.

The wall will stand on the Maple South Lawn Monday, September 28th – Friday, October 2nd. Painting supplies will be available for students, staff, and faculty to use Monday – Thursday 10:00am – 8:00pm. There will be a breaking down the wall ceremony on Friday, October 2nd from 11:00am – 1:00pm with a keynote speech from Dr. Lisa Corrigan, performances by the Inspirational Chorale, and food and freebies.

During the week, we will also have a photobooth available in the Union called “Dear Arkansas.” “Dear Arkansas” illustrates to the community that we are all a part of a shared existence regardless of the stereotypes and other things that separate us at times. The photobooth will be in the union Tuesday, September 29th and Wednesday, September 30th from 11:00am – 1:00pm.

If you want further information, please contact Amanda Bobo (adbobo@uark.edu) or Dr. Stephanie Adams (sgadams@uark.edu).