People from all different backgrounds came together for a moment of silence Wednesday at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College in Green Bay.
"Differences aren't bad, differences are most times, often times really great," explained NWTC vice president of college advancement, Karen Smits.
Smits was one of dozens who paused with co-workers and students to remember those killed in Dallas, Louisiana, Minnesota and across the country. The gathering was about more than just remembering though, it was also about trying to create understanding of diversity.
"You walk away with a feeling of little bit of joy a lot more of hope and know that there are others around that are trying to be positive," said Smits.
She's part of the I-Respect movement at NWTC which celebrates different cultures, genders and walks of life.
"We have to recognize the importance of diversity and having these dialogues and recognizing when events, when tragedies happen," said NWTC diversity and inclusion director, Mohommed Bey.
For those who took a moment of silence Wednesday afternoon they say the country needs to come together, listen to each other and respect each other.
"I think right now a lot of people are talking on both sides and I think what we need to do is listen to what each are saying," said NWTC law enforcement instructor, John Flannery.
College leaders being the first to take steps to unify the college campus with a message they hope will resonate across the country.
"It's a painful moment that we're going through right now in this nation, but quite honestly we'll get through it, we're all in this together," said Flannery.
NWTC says this moment of silence is just the beginning to a new movement they're doing on campus regarding unity and inclusion in the fall.
