Students pulled down a brick wall of stereotypes at noon Friday on the Plaza of the Americas.
The 10th annual Writing on the Wall Project was hosted by the University of Florida Inter-Residence Hall Association. The project encouraged students to paint a brick anonymously symbolizing resistance against oppression and inhumanity. About 60 students held ropes attached to the bricks, and counted down from ten until the wall fell.
Lola Adeyemo, a 19-year-old UF student majoring in biology, said she painted the word "immature" on her brick last week.
Personally, Adeyemo said she held the pain of being called immature inside for many years and breaking down the wall signified closure, and a new chapter in her life.
"Saying this event is meaningful is an understatement," she said. "Pulling the bricks down was impactful because it was a group effort."
Adeyemo said the falling of the wall was powerful for people who participated and watched the offensive words crumble to the ground.
"This is relevant to all students," she said. "Many people say violence is bad, but freedom of speech could be more painful than any violence."
Shaina Rosenauer, a 20-year-old UF student majoring in chemical engineering and co-director of the project, said many universities across the nation also host the event.
"Dialogue can affect others whether people realize it or not," she said. "It helps bring the community together by helping people become aware of thinking before speaking."
Nathalie Abenoza, a 19-year-old linguistics major and project staff member, talked to various UF organizations and clubs and asked them to participate in painting the bricks and tearing the wall down.
"I love art and feel like art is such a good way to express yourself," Abenoza said. "The words are symbolic and breaking them down helps relieve stress."
Many people do not know how offensive words can be, she said.
Erika Williams, a 20-year-old chemistry student, said she enjoyed the event but wished that people who painted the bricks had the opportunity to share their stories behind the negative words.
"I really wish a lot more students would have participated and experienced this because of what it stands for," she said.
