In January, over 200 students, faculty, and staff members gathered at Skidmore College in Saratoga, NY to launch their school’s first Not On Our Campus campaign. Patrice O’Neill, Executive Producer for The Working Group, presented the Not In Our Town film and shared stories about other Not In Our School/Not On Our Campus efforts around the U.S.

The audience, which included College President Philip A. Glotzbach and several of his cabinet members, engaged in an open discussion about how everyday acts of bias can surface on campus, how students can stand up to intolerance, and how Skidmore can be a model of acceptance and diversity. Skidmore students also created their own Not On Our Campus pledge, committing to speak up against hateful acts.

The idea for the Skidmore event got its start after sophomore Claire Solomon presented the Not On Our Campus model to her Hillel chapter. The previous year, swastikas and hate messages were found in one of the Skidmore campus dorms.

After the event, 30 students and staff members brainstormed next steps, including how students will use Facebook to spread the word about Not in Our Campus, how resident assistants can help dorms be safe and inclusive, and how more campus groups can get involved. We’ll keep you posted on Skidmore events!