PULLMAN, Wash. — A week to “Tie a Yellow Ribbon for Freedom and Justice,” an effort protesting hate crimes locally and nationally, is being promoted by the YWCA of Washington State University.
According to Liza Rognas, YWCA executive director, the organization is joining the Northwest Coalition Against Violence and Malicious Harassment, of which it is a member, in promoting wearing yellow ribbons on clothing and displaying ribbons at home, office and business entrances, Nov 1-7.
“Along with local faith groups, community groups and organizations, the YWCA will offer ribbons to wear in protest of hate crimes committed against victims across the country and in our area,” she said. Rogers noted that hate fliers have appeared on the WSU campus targeting Chicanos and Chicanas, members of the Jewish faith, and gays and lesbians; and in August, “three young African American men beaten and harassed, because of their race, in Lewiston, Idaho.”
On Nov. 6 — commemorating the death in Wyoming of Matthew Shepard, a gay man — members of the Pullman Community Congregational United Church of Christ and others will tie ribbons in downtown Pullman and ask area businesses to display them, she said. On the same day at noon, Rognas said, the WSU Bryan Hall carillon will be played in Shepard’s memory.
Ribbons will be available Nov. 2-6 at the YWCA table in the Compton Union Building and at the WSU Women’s Resource Center. Rognas urges individuals or groups to be a part of the campaign by donating yellow ribbons or wearing a ribbon. To get involved, contact the YWCA of WSU, 509/335-3916, or the Women’s Resource Center, 509/335-6849.
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