Taking action against hate

Fifty-two years after its desegregation, the University of Mississippi is still grappling with its legacy of discrimination. Despite efforts by the administration to shed the “Old South” image, Ole Miss experienced yet another incident of intolerance Feb. 16.

Three members of a fraternity group on campus placed a noose around the neck of a statue of James Meredith — the first black student to attend the university — recalling the lynchings black people faced across the country. The students also draped the statue with an old Georgia state flag, which includes the Confederate Battle Flag as part of the design.

Both of these objects are potent reminders of the legacy of segregation and intolerance.

The national office of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity decided to shut down the chapter at Ole Miss after the incident. Though they claimed it was not solely the result of the noose, it is clear that the national office found the actions of their Ole Miss chapter inexcusable.

The campus community at Ole Miss must take it upon itself to change the school’s culture. Students make it clear to their fellows that such behavior is deplorable. The administration and the national fraternity can try to combat the problem, but the real change is going to come from students.

The students of Ole Miss need to come to terms with the legacy of intolerance at
their school.

And we must grapple with our own history here at IU as well. The legacy of fire-bombings, racist violence, Ku Klux Klan membership and student protests that rocked the University during the 1960s still persists.

As I am sure many have noticed, certain racist groups have been attempting to advertise once again on campus — painting bridges, drawing with chalk and putting up fliers. It is up to the community of IU students to keep bigots off campus.

The University community’s response to these incidents has been impressive. Every time I see an advertisement for hate, it is taken down or painted over within a day.

I salute those people who take it upon themselves to replace intolerance and bigotry with diversity and acceptance.

It is not a matter of free speech, nor is it a matter of having a conversation with peddlers of intolerance.

They need to be sent a strong, unmistakable message — you are not welcome here. We absolutely cannot stand for intolerance.

IU prides itself on its diversity and strong stance against intolerance.
As students, we must continue to preserve the values of our university and take action against hatred on campus.


estahr@indiana.edu