A week of events in mid-March will help the Virginia Tech community reflect on principles that guide the institution’s values.

The university’s Principles of Community Week is March 12-18.

During the seven-day period, Virginia Tech’s Office for Inclusion and Diversity will host special speakers, a library exhibit, a student activism panel discussion, and more to celebrate the university’s Principles of Community. These precepts aim to create a culture of inclusion at Virginia Tech and an environment that nurtures learning and growth.

“Principles of Community Week is first and foremost an opportunity to remember and revisit the principles, which is an aspirational statement of who we want to be as a community,” said Michele Deramo, assistant provost of diversity education and programs in the Office for Inclusion and Diversity.

The week began in 2015 as a result of a University Council resolution and was originally called Strong Together Week. It traditionally takes place the week after spring break.

In addition to the events, Deramo said she encourages individual colleges, residence halls, and diversity groups to talk about the principles and how they impact Virginia Tech life.

A performance by Carlyle Brown, an American playwright and author, is the week’s signature event. Brown will perform his 60-minute solo act of speech, stand-up comedy, and TED Talk style, on March 14 at 3:30 p.m. in Haymarket Theatre.

His show, which will conclude with an audience discussion, aims to draw out honest conversations about race and diversity.

The week’s events include:

March 12: Start of exhibit in Newman Library: History of the Principles of Community

March 14: “Acting Black, Demystifying Racism” - show by playwright, author, and thinker Carlyle Brown, 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., Haymarket Theatre

March 15: LGBTQ+ Climate Survey Session, 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Squires 300

March 15: Student Activism and the Principles of Community: An alumni panel and discussion, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Solitude Room, Inn at Virginia Tech

For a full events list, visit inclusive.vt.edu.

Written by Jenny Kincaid Boone

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