“We’re going to break stereotypes all through the week,” said Julie Ferris, one of six Diversity Advocates, the campus group coordinating Colors Week. Ferris said the term “Colors” stands for “every different aspect of who we are-race, gender, sexual orientation.”

The Diversity Advocates originated in 1994 when the University received a grant from the Lily Foundation. The purpose was to improve racial and ethnic diversity on campus. When the grant ended, SLU continued the diversity program under the leadership of Residence Life and Student Life.

David Clark, Diversity Advocate advisor, explained that over the years, the group has extended to improve diversity in all areas where people face barriers, such as sexual orientation. “Colors Week gives people the opportunity to step outside of the box,” Clark said.

The Diversity Advocates will present skits addressing different issues that confine people on Monday, Nov. 6. The Rainbow Alliance will be assisting in the skits, which will begin at 7 p.m. in the Reinert Hall Banquet Hall. On Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the Busch Memorial Center’s Saint Louis Room, the Mask-que-rade Party will allow students to create masks to express how they view culture.

On Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. in the BMC’s Argentum Room, Kathy Humphrey, vice president for Student Development, will help lead the Game of Life. The week concludes with keynote speaker John Stevens, the prosecutor in the 1998 controversial Texas case of the death of James Byrd, an African-American dragged to death by two white men. Stevens’ speech will occur in the Anheuser-Busch Auditorium, Cook Hall at 6:30 p.m. The speech is sponsored by Diversity Advocates, Student Government Association and the Great Issues Committee.

A candlelight vigil will be held at the clock tower in honor of cultural appreciation.