By Taylor J. Hale

Staff Writer

STEVENS POINT – City and university leaders painted a vibrant display of diversity on campus at UW-Stevens Point (UWSP).

The college’s new permanent Pride Crosswalk was laid on Oct. 14, stretching across the Dreyfus University Center and Albertson Hall Library roadway.

Mayor Mike Wiza, UWSP Chancellor Bernie Patterson, and other student leaders outfitted themselves with paint rollers and laid the colorful pathway as a symbol of LGBTQ+ acceptance.

UWSP Chancellor Bernie Patterson speaks at the crosswalk painting. Taylor Hale photo.

The UWSP Student Government Association (SGA) spearheaded the project with help from city officials. “It’s surreal to see,” said SGA Inclusivity Director Christopher Benny. “It started in 2018. We were looking for projects that we could do to make the campus more equitable and inclusive. We have a lot of policies that are going out — but we don’t have any major symbols for the LGBTQ community.”

The crosswalk coloration follows the layout of the Philadelphia pride flag, with black and brown bars to represent ethnic support.

“The black and brown stripe signifies the intersectionality between the LGBTQ community and people of color,” Benny explained.

Mayor Wiza was excited to see the project completed. “This is recognizing everyone, and embracing our differences,” Wiza said.

The crosswalk is accompanied by a street sign detailing the significance of each color and a brief history of the project. The pathway is officially open for public use.

Contact Taylor J. Hale at [email protected] with Portage County news and information.