SRU’s Office of Inclusive Excellence presents Red Ribbon Monologues

Nov. 27, 2019

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. — Slippery Rock University's Office for Inclusive Excellence will host the ninth annual "Red Ribbon Monologues" at 5 p.m., Dec. 2 in the Smith Student Center Ballroom to help raise awareness of the continuing dangers of HIV/AIDS.

The "Red Ribbon Monologues" is a free, interactive event that explores the history of HIV/AIDS and the effects it has had on the world and more specifically on students, faculty and staff at SRU.

HIV/AIDS continues to be a global health issue that has taken the lives of more than 35 million people around the world. Dec. 1 is recognized as World AIDS Day.

"We also hope to address the misconceptions around HIV/AIDS and to try to bring an end to the stigma," said Keisha Booker, assistant director of multicultural development with the Office of Inclusive Excellence. "HIV/AIDS education and awareness is important for a community such as ours given how it can affect people in a variety of ways. It's important to provide education about where it comes from, how it's transmitted, ways to prevent it and what people dealing with HIV/AIDS are going through."

The event begins with presentations of one- to five-minute "monologues" from students, faculty, staff and community members who have had experiences with HIV/AIDS.

Student attendees will also be given the opportunity to participate in "Did You Know?," a game that will challenge players to share information regarding general education and misconceptions about HIV/AIDS.

"HIV/AIDS doesn't just affect one sector of the population," said Booker. "It's something that can touch all of our lives and we want the campus community to be aware of that and the impact it can have on everyone."

The event is free and open to the public.

MEDIA CONTACT: Lesa Bressanelli | 724.738.2091 | lnb1009@sru.edu