UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — An event planned for Oct. 24 on the University Park campus by the student group Uncensored America has been widely denounced by University officials because of past hate-filled rhetoric used by the two invited speakers. To be clear, the presence of any speaker on campus should not be taken as an endorsement by Penn State.
As alternatives to this Oct. 24 presentation, there are two coinciding events being held to celebrate our diverse community and educate students, faculty and staff on how to discern facts from hype, and determine truth from opinions, propaganda and false statements.
“Together We Are”
Monday, Oct. 24, 6-10 p.m.
Alumni and Heritage halls in the HUB-Robeson Center
The Student Programming Association is hosting this community event to show unity and celebrate all those who make Penn State, Penn State. The event will include a number of activities, performances and resources to support and promote belonging and community.
“Fighting Truth Decay: How and Why Fakers Fake”
Monday, Oct. 24, 6-7 p.m.
Freeman Auditorium, HUB-Robeson Center
Al Thompkins, senior faculty at the Poynter Institute and one of America's most requested broadcast journalism and multimedia teachers and coaches, will present a free public lecture. His keynote presentation is part of a two-day visit as part of the Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters Visiting Professionals Program.
Resources and Support
In addition, for individuals who may feel personally impacted by this upcoming event, the University offers the following support and resources and urge you to take advantage of them:
FOR STUDENTS
- Gender Equity Center (confidential): 814-863-2027
- Multicultural Resource Center: Reach out to an MRC college counselor by calling 814-865-1773 or emailing MRC@psu.edu for an appointment.
- Student Care and Advocacy: 814-863-2020
- Counseling & Psychological Services: Counseling and mental health services available through CAPS, which can be reached at 814-863-0395 for University Park students, or at each Commonwealth Campus location.
- Community and Belonging Resources
FOR ALL
- The Penn State Crisis Line (877-229-6400) and the Crisis Text Line (text “LIONS” to 741741), which are open 24/7 to Penn Staters dealing with both crisis and non-crisis situations — including faculty, staff and students at all campuses. The licensed professionals with the Penn State Crisis Line can help evaluate each individual situation, offer guidance and help connect callers with further resources if appropriate.
- Penn State Hotline (anonymous reporting): 800-560-1637
- Penn State Police: 814-863-1111
- Report Bias/Harassment
FOR EMPLOYEES
- Penn State’s Employee Assistance Program, a free, confidential employee and family resource to be used as the first line of defense for personal or work-related concerns for employees and their families.