Flags of Remembrance: Lawrence Project Recalls Periods of U.S. Discrimination

APPLETON, WIS. -- Nearly 45 million victims of discrimination and inequality will be represented this week on the Lawrence University campus in a symbolic display entitled "Flags of Remembrance."

Beginning Wednesday, April 24, Lawrence students will begin planting 2,000 small, colored flags around the Main Hall green. Each colored flag will represent a different population sect that was subjected to some form of discrimination or injustice at some point in U.S. history.

In the display, white flags will represent women who were denied the right to vote. Blue flags will represent people who were victims of hate crimes in the past five years. Neon pink flags will represent Native Americans who were forced to relocate to reservations. Neon orange flags will represent Japanese people who were placed in internment camps during World War II. Black and white stripe flags will represent African Americans who were denied access to integrated and equal opportunities in public education. Each flag may represent as many as 50,000 individuals.

"Flags of Remembrance is a symbolic display of past acts of hate and fear," said Rod Bradley, assistant dean of students for multicultural affairs. "This project is an opportunity for the campus and community at-large to look back at some of the devastating mistakes this country has made, reflect on why they happened and hopefully spark some thoughts on ways to prevent other similar acts from occurring in the future."

Sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Affairs at Lawrence, the flag display will run through Sunday, April 28.