"The Laramie Project," a play exploring the effects of the 1998 murder of a gay college student on the Laramie, Wyo., community will be performed at 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday and at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday in Jack Adams Hall in the Cesar Chavez Student Center.

Written by Moises Kaufman and directed by Amy Mueller, the play is based on interviews that chronicle the suffering after two young men killed Matthew Shepard because he was gay.

The production is part of SFSU's Year of Constructive Civil Discourse. SFSU President Robert A. Corrigan identified the 2002-03 academic year as the Year of Constructive Civil Discourse as part of the University's response following heightened tension between pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian supporters on campus.

Tickets cost $7-10 for students and $10-15 for general admission. Advance tickets can be purchased on campus at the Cesar Chavez Student Center Information Desk and S.A.F.E. Place, located in room 205 of the Student Services Building, or by calling (415) 338-1112 or (415) 338-2819. Tickets will also be available at the door.

"The Laramie Project" will benefit the S.A.F.E. (Sexual Abuse Free Environment) Place, a rape prevention education program and sexual violence resource center on campus, and the Community United Against Violence.

The play is a production of the S.A.F.E. Place. The play is also supported by the Women's Foundation, Theatre Arts Department, Richard Oakes Multicultural Center, Office of Human Relations, Office of Student Programs and Leadership Development, EROS (Educational and Referral Organization for Sexuality), A.S. Women's Center and Queer Alliance.

In association with "The Laramie Project," the University is holding several "Deconstructing Hate" events Thursday that will explore the impact of hateful expression.

"All of Us are Related, Each of Us Unique," a photo and video exhibit of recent scientific findings concerning the concept of a common human biological race, will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Richard Oakes Multicultural Center on the Terrace Level of the Cesar Chavez Student Center.

"Hate Is, Hate Ain't," a discussion on hurtful and hateful speech, will be held from noon to 1 p.m. in the Humanities building, room 103. The discussion will be led by representatives of the U.S. Office for Civil Rights, SFSU Department of Public Safety, Office of Human Relations and Sociology Department.

"Stop the Hate," a workshop on engaging in activism and free expression without resorting to hate, will take place from 3 to 5 p.m. on the Terrace Level of the Student Center.

The "Deconstructing Hate" programs are sponsored by the Village at Centennial Square, SFSU Bookstore, Office of Human Relations, Office of Student Programs and Leadership Development, Residence Hall Association and S.A.F.E. Place.