Signs reading “#MorrisonLOVES,” “Tommies Love Not Hate” and other sentiments about being one family decked the walls of Morrison Hall, but despite the hashtag, the goal wasn’t to bring attention on social media. Instead, they were intended to create an inclusive community on the university campus.

Morrison Hall Director Jacquez Gray and staff created the hashtag signs in response to the climate on campus after recent events such as the racial slur scrawled on the sidewalk outside of O’Shaughnessy Frey library.

Following the incident, Gray said some students did not feel safe on campus. He wanted to let students know that “when you walk into Morrison we want to let you know that this is a safe zone for you.”

Junior Zach Vietor noticed the signs posted immediately throughout the hall after the incident.

“I think they’re up because we’re in a very tense atmosphere right now especially,” Vietor said.

Later in the week, an apartment coordinator in Morrison added cards to the skyway. Adding cards among the signs was originally organized for Gray’s residents but was later adopted by the entire hall. Gray said the messages and quotes on other signs in Morrison Hall weren’t random but were picked because the apartment coordinators and Residence Life staff “felt (it was) what needed to be said.”

Sophomore Sophie Fromberger thought the signs added notes of positivity to Morrison Hall.

“I know everytime I walk by them and look at them – they’re just really motivational and nice,” Fromberger said.

“I want you to know that when you walk into Morrison, Morrison loves, and Tommies love,” Gray said.“We are Tommies and Tommies stand with you.”

Emily Sweeney can be reached at swee4225@stthomas.edu