Posters and an interactive sculpture installed on June 6 a message of racial awareness. A group of advanced art students stood adjacent to their creation during lunch Friday, and explained how everyday observational comments can be hurtful to many.

Senior Ariana Mahallati explained that she, along with a group of friends, felt compelled to raise awareness on common racial insensitivities.

“We started seeing and hearing people in Redwood saying those derogatory words or jokes that could be potentially offensive to people of different cultures,” Mahallati said.

In response, Mahalliti, along with seniors Deya Torres, Hayley Ricci, Nancy Luo, and Jane Bhan designed posters displaying everyday racial jabs toward Redwood students. The group also constructed a mannequin sculpture dressed in paper leaflets describing common culturally insensitive comments and encouraged students to contribute to their cause.

As the group members graduate, they said they wanted to spread awareness to the underclassmen.

“Think before you speak, and be aware of how your words affect other people and what they indicate about your mindset towards these people you use the words against,” Bhan said.