![\"\"](\"\/1780\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2017\/09\/unlearnprofs-810x632.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nTheir new project, Unlearn Fear + Hate, also takes shape off campus\u2014for instance, as a metal halo bearing the message attached to the 21c Museum Hotel in downtown Lexington.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But the saying was so powerful and timely that Transylvania incorporated it into the very fabric of this academic year\u2014from endowed lectures to an embroidery project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Todorova, associate professor of English, didn\u2019t want unlearn fear and hate to become just words that students occasionally heard about something going on \u201cout there\u201d\u2014a noble idea, of course, but not terribly meaningful to them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gohde, professor of art and chair of the Fine Arts program, was on board with that. \u201cWe\u2019ve never done anything where the whole campus community was involved, and that was a really exciting idea,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The theme ties into a dialog happening on the national level\u2014and into the university\u2019s overall calling, said Laura Bryan, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the university. \u201cThese conversations and activities are consistent with the mission of the liberal arts education.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jeremy Paden, associate professor of Spanish and Foreign Languages program director, is helping thread Unlearn Fear + Hate through Transylvania\u2019s academics. This effort raises important questions. \u201cAs an institute of higher learning, what kind of social responsibilities do we have?\u201d he asked. \u201cHow does our teaching address ethics in such a way that we create a world that is more understanding, more open to communication, more compassionate?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A way to make a positive impact on the world is to expose students to speakers who are deeply committed to unlearning fear and hate. This academic year, a series of lectures includes acclaimed poet Claudia Rankine, whose work deals with race issues, and author Robert Gipe, who tackles Appalachian stereotypes and marginalization. Additionally, the Morlan Gallery will showcase Affrilachian artists and poets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Paden sees these talks and artworks as transformative\u2014a way to move past fear and hate. \u201cListening and understanding play a key role in knowing the point of view of the other,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n