On Friday, 16 October, the AUHA partners University of Antwerp, Karel de Grote University of Applied Sciences and Arts, AP University of Applied Sciences and Arts, and Antwerp Maritime Academy will turn purple. Through the United* by Spirit campaign, they are calling on students and staff to wear something purple that day. Whether it’s a full outfit or just a small purple detail, everyone can take part in their own way.
The initiative was inspired by Spirit Day and Purple Friday, international campaigns that began in 2010 to show support for LGBTQIA+ young people who experience bullying. Students took the initiative to bring the campaign to the AUHA community as well. The action is a joint initiative that forms part of the AUHA’s broader United* campaign and is supported by student councils and student organisations.
Students and staff are invited to share their purple outfits on social media using the hashtag #UnitedBySpirit.
But the campaign is about more than just a symbolic gesture. The institutions’ websites provide an overview of confidential counsellors, student support services and contact points for anyone experiencing bullying, discrimination or feeling unsafe.