On Sept. 23 around 500 people, both from Guilford as well as the Greensboro community, joined in a vigil co-sponsored by Guilford Pride and the Guilford Peace Society in light of the recent acts of discrimination.”This is a positive vigil; a vigil about diversity, humanity, acceptance, respect and love,” said David Hammond, professor of theatre studies. “This is a positive act to build a better future for Guilford. It is not defensive or hostile. This is not a matter of stomping out something. It’s about letting the good stuff fill the place.”

The vigil began at the Guilford sign and ended at Bryan Hall. Attendees held up posters and flags with statements such as and lit candles and many shared their thoughts.

“I’m here because it’s a messed-up situation and I feel that anything I can do to make it right will be better,” said sophomore Daniel Dowd.

“Tonight we are acknowledging that there are issues and things that we need to acknowledge as a community,” said first-year Martha Adams-Cooper.

Episcopal Campus Minister Kevin Matthews Professor of Religious Studies Jane Redmont said that they are impressed that the vigil was attended by a large number of community members from Greensboro, including UNCG’s Pride members.

“We wanted to come and show our support because this is not just a Guilford College thing, it is a problem in Greensboro and in America,” said UNCG junior Adam Arrico and Pride member. “We wanted to show out support the same way we want others to support our campus.”

Greensboro resident Chris Elkins said that he read about the incident on a blog and came to show his support.

“I am very encouraged that people are finding their voice and standing up,” said Elkins. “To the people who are not here, silence does not solve the problem-it is the problem. It is a moral issue to speak out against discrimination. Discrimination and hate are never moral.