The University of Missouri has been in turmoil after growing racial tensions came to a head a few months ago. Regular classes and activities have been disrupted by protests and threats of violence, while the university president was forced to resign.
The University of Alabama and many other institutions have staged similar protests to show their solidarity and to bring attention to diversity issues on their own campuses.
University President Jay Gogue responded to these events in an email that was sent to students and faculty Sunday, Nov. 15.
"We would be remiss if we did not take this opportunity to initiate a constructive dialogue about diversity and inclusion," Gogue wrote. "I believe we must constantly ask ourselves if we as a campus community are living the core values we espouse and whether our culture as a place for learning is one that is built on mutual respect and support."
Janeese Hoagland, secretary for the Black Student Union, said she doesn't think Auburn will reach the level of unrest that Missouri is in.
"I pray that it doesn’t happen," Hoagland said. "Things are different here. I feel that Auburn has made strides to go past what Mizzou has. But there are still things we could work on."
The Black Student Union and other minority-based organizations have held events aimed at bringing cultures together. However, Hoagland said, usually only members show up.
"I feel that (the student body) knows there’s a problem but we’re not doing anything about it," Hoagland said. "We try to break the barriers and have diversity conversations but you can’t force someone to come to something."
One of those barriers, Greek Life, is being broken slowly.
Students of all races are allowed to join sororities and fraternities, and some minority students actively participate in Auburn's Greek Life. But Hoagland said many more don't feel welcome.
"Sororities are open to everybody," Hoagland said. "People are afraid to go to a party. They don’t want to (go through recruitment) because people (in charge) probably won’t let in African-American students."
Students often say hurtful things without realizing it, Hoagland said. The insults have gotten especially offensive on anonymous apps like Yik Yak.
"Sometimes, when we are on the concourse, we’ll see things on Yik Yak that say ‘Oh, look, the monkeys are out again,’” Hoagland said.
Hoagland said she knows comments like these are protected under Freedom of Speech, but it’s important to remember words can hurt people.
These insults don’t discourage members, Hoagland said. In fact, they do the opposite.
“It fuels a fire,” Hoagland said.
The BSU is not currently planning any protests. Instead, it will work with administration to bring change, like mandatory diversity lessons in the classroom, to Auburn’s campus.
“We just want to bring awareness to what is happening at Mizzou,” Hoagland said. “There are a lot of people on campus who don’t know what’s going on. Minority students see stuff happening, but other students don’t focus on stuff like that.”
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
