As you have probably heard by now, there was a racist incident in the Modlin Center just prior to spring break. As reported in The Collegian, a noose with a black doll was found hanging in the Cousins Studio Theatre, with writing about the death of art pasted on the floor below.
At the time of this post, there are many unanswered questions about the incident. While a police report has been filed, we do not know who did this, or what the motive was for such a horrendous act.
We do know that there has been a range of reactions on campus to this incident, which in the eyes of some appears to be a hate crime. Community meetings held by the Theatre and Dance department and an all-campus forum facilitated by the Office of Common Ground last Friday demonstrated that emotions including shock, denial, fear, anger, and deep despair have gripped many of our peers and colleagues. Many students, staff, and faculty are struggling with what it means to live and work in a place where such an event could occur.
Each of us has a role in an inclusive community to respond when acts of intolerance, intimidation, or hate are perpetrated against our colleagues. Have you asked yourself what you can do in the face of this intolerance? Have you asked your colleagues of color how they are coping? Have you offered your students a chance to discuss the incident in class, if appropriate? Have you encouraged your white peers to become involved inthe campus response?
A number of different responses are being contemplated by various groups on campus and Common Ground will try to keep the campus appraised of ways to participate in these activities. One way to show support would be to attend the Theatre and Dance department’s production of The Meeting, the play about a hypothetical meeting between Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X, which was in rehearsal when this event occured. We encourage you to go, and to bring your friends, especially those who might not attend without your encouragement. There will be opportunities for discussion and participation via Talk Backs after the performances.
It is no one person’s responsibility to make this campus more inclusive. It is everyone’s responsibility. And as our campus tries to make sense out of this senseless act in the coming days and weeks, we ask that everyone become a part of the process of supporting each other through this difficult time.
We want to hear from you.
