A chorus of cries rang out in the Shapiro Campus Center Atrium Thursday night as about 30 students reacted to their release from a day of silence in protest of racial prejudice.The students wore black tape over their mouths during classes and throughout the day in an effort to show solidarity with those unable to speak out about discrimination and racism. Many also sported black shirts with messages written on them, such as "unconditional love," "unity" and the word "silence" crossed out. In the evening, a group of participants gathered to contemplate racial sentiments in American society, as well as their own attitudes.

"Racism does exist at Brandeis, on a subtle level," one participant said during the program. "But I'm very optimistic that students are aware of this and try to make an effort to improve it."

Ashley Pham '08, a coordinator of Students Organized Against Racism, which planned the event, began by telling the assembly the group aimed to "bring together the Brandeis community, faculty [and] staff, in a common goal to fight racism and to eradicate prejudice and bigotry."

In an initial group exercise, the two moderators read statements and asked participants to step into the middle of the circle if they felt a statement applied to them. The statements "I sometimes think I'm racist" and "I have witnessed acts of racism" each brought a majority of those assembled into the circle. About five students professed to "enjoying racist jokes."

Students then formed groups to discuss questions about racism, as well as issues facing double-minorities, people who identify with two minority groups. Slightly more than half of the students agreed with the statement, "Brandeis is racist."

"Racism is so prevalent, it's invisible," said Assistant Dean of Student Life Alwina Bennett, who participated in some of the activities. "Because it's so prevalent, you can't grow up in this culture without being racist."

Aaron Voldman '09, a Democracy for America coordinator who wore the tape during the day, said he felt "a great amount of solidarity with those around me who were also participating," adding that silence "definitely took people off guard."

Pham said the event grew out of the impression that racial issues are not discussed at Brandeis.

Controversy over a poem published last year in the Hoot revealed the lack of an effective forum for discussing racial issues on campus, Pham said.

"A lot of people didn't have voices that were being heard," she said.

Pham called the event a "major success," adding that the 100 shirts the group had ordered for the event were insufficient.

The day of silence was planned partly as an inaugural event for a reinvigorated SOAR, which Pham said has been active on-and-off since its founding six years ago.