Letter to the editor: Offensive banner

Denise Kolivoski, Executive Director: NAMI

Letter written in reponse to the “Laker Lunatics: The Asylum” banner in the MIC.

It has been brought to the attention of concerned families and individuals at The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Erie County that this inappropriate sign is being used to promote student engagement at Mercyhurst University.

With one in four each year facing challenges of mental health and wellness, that is 70,000 residents in Erie County that are not lunatics, but people trying to gain employment, return to school or have a good quality of life.

I encourage you to take the correct approach and write an article focusing on the real stories of people with mental illness.

There is an Active Minds group on Mercyhurst’s campus that would be able to talk about the challenges and successes of people in recovery from mental illness.

I would also be able to bring forward individuals that are living well with mental illness to tell their story of recovery and resilience.

Please respond to this mistake by taking corrective action to showcase to the student body there is education, support and hope for those facing the daily challenges of mental health and wellness with a positive article.