College Campus Racism – What’s Going On?

I don’t usually blog about politics or news because I don’t pay much attention. It is too damn depressing and does nothing for those of us seeking inner peace. The couple of times I did write about current events, it seems to be when stories of racism rear an ugly head.

Oh, there are a lot of stories out there, but then there are some that just totally surprise me and are so upsetting that I can’t NOT say anything. The ones that I don’t want to believe are true, but here they are. I get so emotionally charged, that I feel compelled to say something to bring more awareness. But I always hope …

One day our descendants will think it incredible that we paid so much attention to things like the amount of melanin in our skin or the shape of our eyes or our gender instead of the unique identities of each of us as complex human beings.
Franklin Thomas

Syracuse University – What’s Going On?

Since November 7th there have been a dozen incidents involving racism on or around the Syracuse University campus. The acts have been directed towards the African-American, Asian, and Jewish populations. Some of the incidents are swastikas in snow, racist graffiti with vandalism in various residence halls, and threatening emails. One of the emails directed at a professor made a reference to her demise in a holocaust situation.

Her brave response:

They have not found the sender of that heinous email.

The only perpetrators caught so far are four Syracuse students being suspended for yelling derogatory comments, including the “N” word at a young woman of color on campus. Involved in that same incident, were nine more students from different universities. So obviously, it isn’t just Syracuse. Can you imagine that young ladies fright being verbally attacked by so many?

The worst perpetrator in this situation of college campus racism, if that is a thing, was from Rutgers. I can’t find what campuses the other students were from. The fraternity the SU students are from has also been temporarily suspended from any activities.

When the initial occurrence of racist vandalism occurred in one of the freshman dorms, the students reporting it were asked by campus authorities, NOT to share what happened. Several days later, the rest of the campus was notified. How can that be? It should have been done immediately! When you withhold important information like this, it screams – what are you trying to hide? Or what is your negligence in this? Not to mention, you are risking the safety of so many others.

This past week, there were stories of the Manifesto written by the Mosque shooter in New Zealand, where 49 people were massacred, being airdropped to students in Syracuse. As of yet, they have not found anyone admitting that they received it, but that doesn’t mean it didn’t happen.

The chancellor is claiming that this may have been a hoax, but I say who would admit that they did get it for fear of repercussion? Subsequently, the fear amongst the students and teachers rose significantly. When given the choice, many made a decision to go home days before the actual Thanksgiving break. I have no doubt they were afraid of the possibility of another school shooting.

As a human being, and mom of a college student, I find this all very upsetting.

How can this be going on across so many college campuses? I can’t imagine the anxiety of these students and professors. There have apparently been racist problems going back several years, so this is not new to Syracuse University.

I also can’t understand WHY this isn’t bigger news? Students are holding silent protests and sit-ins for the last two weeks. The group, #NotAgainSU, are demanding resignations and asking for new policy and education for their own comfort and safety.

Some of the requests have been for:

More severe punishment for students involved in racial incidents.
Updated and mandated diversity education for new students, faculty, and staff.
Multi-cultural housing options
Money dedicated to revamping curriculum to address more about racism … amongst many other demands.

These things should already be taking place and not have to be demanded when people are fearing for their lives.

We all know anxiety is on the rise with our youth and young adults: Imagine how they are feeling now?

The only person who has been arrested in all of these incidents is a student who drew graffiti supporting the peaceful protestors. Even the kids harassing the young black woman, are only temporarily suspended. Maybe that will change? I sure hope so, because examples need to be made.

More College Campus News

When I was googling all these stories, in each one was a link to a story at a different college campus problem. All around the country, are stories of a hazing or fraternity related death. This has also been going on for years and nothing has changed. The pressure put on kids and the despicable things they are asked to do in order to “fit in” and be accepted into the fraternity communities needs to change. If they can’t fix it, then get rid of them.

I have never been a fan of Greek life. When kids are told they can’t call their parents, there is a problem with that. When they are told they have to drink a gallon of alcohol within a short amount of time, I have a question about their intelligence and human being status. I don’t want to hear that there are good fraternities out there – I am sure they exist – but then maybe they should be doing something about the bad ones, or the unchartered ones, because it doesn’t seem like the schools can control it.

I heard a story this week of a boy who was pledging a fraternity but dropped out because the things he was asked to do while hazing would have stripped him of his dignity. God bless that young man for having the courage to do that, but many don’t. In just over a month’s time, four young men have died from alcohol-related deaths involving fraternities. Trust me, folks, these are just the ones making the news. It happens all over every University year after year.

What is the matter with a society that believes it is ok to degrade, humiliate and abuse a person so they can be given permission to join a club?

There are statistics that say 1,825 college students die each year due to alcohol-related deaths. Within those statistics, almost 700,000 other students are assaulted by others under the influence and 97,000 cases of sexual abuse or date rape are reported each year. Those are just the ones reported. There are countless others NOT reported.

I just want to know ...

Why is it so hard to be kind? How is it that racism such as this still exists in the world and on a college campus? Why are young adults purposely and maliciously harming each other in such a despicable way?