Erasing hate

The FBI estimates that over 7,000 hate crimes happen in the United States each year, according to the Matthew Shepard foundation.

The foundation, named after Matthew Shepard, a gay student at the University of Wyoming, who was beaten, tied to a fence and killed, works to end biased incidents on college campuses across the nation.

Christina Olstad, assistant director for Athletic Campus and member of the Anti-Bias Task Force, is bringing the foundation to UVM by hosting "Erasing Hate: A Community Discussion."

"'Erasing Hate' is geared toward students, faculty and staff about what they can do to create climates that are inclusive for every member of our University of Vermont community," Olstad said.

The free, open event includes brunch and will be in the Living/Learning Center Room 216 on Saturday, April 24 from 12-2 p.m., she said.