Column: Fixing a campus broken by racism
With the mass email and GroupMe fiasco that unfolded, next semester may be more difficult than anticipated.
The content sent in that chat was discriminatory, racist and sexist.
After the messages were screenshotted and posted on Facebook, many students began commenting how disappointed, outraged, hurt and uncomfortable the content made them feel.
This entire situation (as well as many previous situations) has already damaged connectivity on campus.
So, how exactly will this situation harm the student body next semester?
Rising sophomore Amarei Grant believes that “...due to the school already being a PWI some African Americans will feel some type of way about the racial messages...but I do feel that it will interfere with somethings now that we all know that there are racist on our campus...I do feel like it will harm the student body and probably for a while, not just for a semester.”
A “PWI“ is a “Predominantly White Institution.” An institution that is considered to be a PWI has more white students in attendance than non-white.
TKE member and rising sophomore Jae Nelson says “I think it’ll destroy USCA as a community. There's always talk about how we should come together and support one another in this time of need, but if that’s going to happen then change needs to happen.”
Rising sophomore Deniel Fernandez had a differing opinion, stating “I don’t think it will, like I get why they were wrong in what they said, but I think the student body will be fine, they always are, no matter what, most colleges and universities make it through this kind of stuff and worse.”
When asked if the incident will affect how they personally interact with students of other races, Nelson stated “Most definitely, I’ve had my fair share of racist comments made towards/around me and I hate that I can’t interact with some of the coolest people I have ever met due to them being slightly racist in some way, shape or form. It makes me see them in a different light that I never thought I would have to see.”
Grant said, “Me personally no, I will still look at everybody the same.”
When asked how the incoming freshman may be affected, Nelson suspects “They will perceive USCA as a campus based on racial conformities (SIC) and [I] believe that certain races will have their own groups to hangout [with], instead of everyone seen as a unit on campus.”
The school is still currently investigating the situation and determining the correct course of action.
Next semester may be hard for the student body after this disturbing incident, but as Pacers, there is a sense of family that needs to be rediscovered. Everyone has red blood pumping through their veins and a heart pumping that blood. Everyone is human. Everyone is equal.
