Diversity is not black and white; it is the exact opposite. Black is white. Straight is gay. Christian is Muslim.
Elon announced in its strategic 10-Year Plan that its first priority is an "unprecedented commitment to diversity." Are students ready for such a commitment? Considering that the Class of 2015 is the most "diverse" Elon has ever brought in, what makes Elon a place where people are comfortable victimizing others, and in such a public way?
It is clear from Elon's perfectly trimmed grass and swift replacement of missing bricks that image is important. Thus, reluctance to address a problem that could jeopardize its recent ranking in U.S. News & World Report is understandable. However, students must demand the same standards they valued when they decided Elon was where they bELONg.
Students, ask others about their expectations for our campus climate. Ask friends what they think of the recent events. Tell professors you want to hear their perspective and engage in class discussions. Challenge yourself to formulate your own opinions and to remain open-minded. Conversations can uncover ignorance. Ignorance can be eradicated by knowledge. Knowledge has the power to begin conversation that fulfills an unprecedented commitment to diversity.
If you were verbally harassed walking to your dorm, how soon would you start filling out transfer applications?
Understanding that neither diversity nor discrimination is exclusive is key to cultivating a campus where everyone bELONgs. We charge you to be neither apathetic, to feel nothing, nor sympathetic, to feel bad for. We charge you to be empathetic, to feel bad with, in response to acts of hate on this campus.
"If you keep fighting progress, you will find yourself on the wrong side of history." - " Jumping the Broom"
- Jamie Albright and Aisha Mitchell, Diversity Advocates