Hundreds of people came out to the Rock on UT's campus Friday afternoon to stand up against race and hatred after a recognized hate group plans to speak on campus later this month.
United as one, people stood and made a statement against hate and racism at the University of Tennessee.
People lined up to place their hand prints on the Rock to celebrate diversity and equality.
Ruth Haggler, a senior studying social work, said being included in a movement like this was inspiring.
"It was actually really cool because I've never painted the Rock before and this is my senior year and I felt like I was leaving a mark," Hagler said.
Other students felt it united the university as a whole.
"I think it's really important to be part of things like this you can't really stand back and watch it happen. You have to be part of the change you want to see," said Maggie Redding, a sophomore.
The event was held in response to news that a member of the Traditionalist Worker Party, a known hate group, plans to meet on campus this month.
UT Chancellor Beverly Davenport said the group is not welcome.
In a letter to the campus community Friday, Davenport said the TWP group will not be allowed to meet at McLung Museum as they had originally planned, but has been reassigned to Buehler Hall with security restrictions.
"I want to reiterate: We don't want them here. They were not invited, and they are certainly not welcome," Davenport wrote.
The Chancellor attended Friday afternoon's gathering at the Rock, and said each painted hand print stands for something bigger.
"A lot of people have wanted to talk about what the group that's coming stands for, but I want people to know what we stand for," Davenport said. "That means that this is our rock, and this is our University of Tennessee and we stand for unity and for peace and our responsibilities to each other."
Athletic Director and former head football coach Phillip Fulmer also gave his thoughts.
"There's no place for hate in our country particularly in our campus and I'm glad to stand up against it today," Fulmer said.
After the final hand print, the group lit candles to illuminate their message of unity.