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USM Plans Anti-Hate Rally In Support Of Muslims

PORTLAND, Maine — The University of Southern Maine’s multicultural affairs office is hosting an anti-hate rally in Portland in response to anti-Muslim sentiment around the country, including an incident at the university.

The gathering is scheduled for Wednesday at noon at the university’s Woodbury Campus Center. The university says the purpose of the event is to declare Portland and Maine as a "hate-free zone."

Officials at the university investigated an incident last month in which graffiti was found in student senate offices that appeared to express anti-Muslim sentiment.

Organizers of the anti-hate event say representatives from more than 20 faiths and community groups will gather on Wednesday. The event is taking place at the same time as the school’s annual Festival of Lights interfaith celebration.