SPOKANE, Wash. – Hundreds of Gonzaga University students, faculty and staff will gather in front of the Crosby Student Center at noon Friday, Nov. 16 to observe International Day of Tolerance by linking arms and forming a human chain of solidarity. In honor of the University’s 125th Anniversary Year, a special invitation is extended to the community to participate in this year’scommemoration.

“In this, Gonzaga’s 125th Anniversary year, we are especially mindful of the role the University plays through its Catholic, Jesuit and humanistic mission – and its social justice work – to respect, recognize and support the rights and beliefs of individuals, including those who are often marginalized in the world,” said Tracy Ellis-Ward, director of Gonzaga’s Unity Multicultural Education Center, which organizes the event. “This year, especially, we look forward to welcoming the community to campus to join in this brief, powerful commemoration.”

Local leaders from all sectors of the community – business, faith, education, and government – are expected to attend, along with residents. Members of the Gonzaga and Spokane communities will offer remarks.

Participants will form a human chain, which collaboratively represents the value of actively supporting inclusion and human difference. Refreshments will be offered and parking is free.

A dedicated Facebook page has been created for participants to track development of the event and invite friends to join in. Link to it from Gonzaga’s web page atwww.gonzaga.edu/idot.