‘Terrorism has no religion’
Large blackboards covered in messages of love and hope to the Muslim community have popped up at Victoria University of Wellington campuses.
‘‘Love wins’’, ‘‘terrorism has no religion’’, and ‘‘you are loved’’ are just some of the messages students have written on blackboard walls.
The hundreds of handwritten messages have been dedicated as a ‘‘tribute to our Muslim wha¯nau’’.
Psychology student Meiana Rangiwai said the wall at the university’s Kelburn campus was amazing. ‘‘It’s just everyone coming together to share our aroha for our Muslim wha¯nau.’’
Ma¯oritanga student Jodeci Matthews-Pulman said she wrote ‘‘Aroha Motuhake’’ on the wall – meaning ‘‘big love to our Muslim family’’.
Provost professor Wendy Larner said the university had set up several walls of support – at Kelburn campus, at Pipitea in Rutherford House and the Law School and on Te Aro campus.
They were to provide an opportunity for students and staff to express their condolences, love, and support to those affected.
The university also had memorial books available for students and staff to leave messages.
‘‘Yesterday the university community held a minute’s silence to mark the impact of the tragic events in Christchurch.’’
The university was working closely with the Muslim Students Association.