3/26/2001
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Judy Shepard, mother of slain University of Wyoming student Matthew Shepard, and Brent Scarpo, director of "Journey to a Hate Free Millenium," will speak at 7 p.m. Monday, April 2, at Wharton Center's Great Hall on the Michigan State University campus.
Matthew Shepard died on Oct. 12, 1998, after being beaten by two men because he was a homosexual. Judy Shepard will speak at MSU on hate in the United States and its affects on society.
"'Journey to a Hate Free Millennium' is the kickoff event for both Pride Week and Greek Week and is designed for students, faculty, staff and community members interested in learning more about hate in our society," said Billy Molasso, assistant director of Student Life at MSU. "Everyone has a responsibility to learn more about ways that we can end hate and hate crimes."
Approximately 35 minutes of "Journey to a Hate Free Millenium," a documentary by Scarpo and Martin Bedogne, will also be shown. The film focuses on recent hate crimes that have captured national attention.
The documentary includes footage of Shepard reading a personal statement at the trial of one of the men who killed her son; the family of Texas hate crime victim James Byrd; parents and friends of Columbine High School shooting victims; Holocaust survivors; and well-known political, religious and entertainment figures, including Elton John.
The presentation also will include dialogue among audience members concerning ways to stop hate. "Journey to a Hate Free Millenium" is Scarpo and Bedogne's vision of an American culture free of hate and prejudice.
"Hate crimes permeate every segment of our society, campuses or elsewhere. Providing opportunities for students to learn about hate and reflect on how it affects their lives is an important role MSU plays in the development of our students," Molasso said.
The scheduled program time will be changed from 7 p.m. to 4 p.m. if the MSU men's basketball team plays in the NCAA national championship final game.