For a long time, racism has been the root of many issues in America. Many people often brush away the need for accountability. 

Arkansas State University is at the center of attention right now for the wrong reason. Our school went from being back on the map for our Women’s Basketball team making March Madness, to ESPN hosting a SportsCenter in the Red Wolf center, and even to a record number of people attending the school last semester.

With all the positive things happening on campus, these recent racial events are a massive setback. This has to stop.

The root of the problem stems from the recent events that started this all when someone wrote on the back of this random guy’s back the N-word with a hard r- and added the word “lover” after it at a party hosted by Alpha Gamma Rho. This ignited fire in the African American community; many felt this type of behavior was uncalled for.

Although the guy was not a student on campus, this does not negate the bad reputation that Alpha Gamma Rho has displayed in the last few years. Furthermore, the plethora of controversial events that have taken place by Alpha Gamma Rho is the reason they are considered on the opposite end of campus. 

Most of our characteristics as people stem from the type of childhood we had. Good memories, bad trauma, and even life experiences all make who we are today. Every student faces the reality of life, dealing with hard times, but this does not excuse the use of racial slurs. No matter how hurt you may be or how much bottled-up trauma you may have gone through, there is never an excuse to freely disrespect innocent people.

It is normal to have a bad day, but saying the wrong things could cost you far more than just your reputation. Perception is the reality, and the reality of A-State is that we are viewed as a troubled school at the moment.

Title IX dismissing these recent occurrences just shows the lack of accountability and even avoidance of leadership. I think we have a wonderful staff and faculty, but when things go wrong, instead of taking action, the university plays the blame game. 

It is time to put those in charge in the hot seat to take action. I say these things with love and respect, but the environment here at A-State should be a safe place for students to feel harmony and peace while receiving an education.

Investigations are not enough. Punishments, actions, and even rule changes have to be put in place to stop these racial occurrences. Those in leadership should be called to rise up and make decisions. Emails are not enough. Saying all the right things sounds nice, but does not create change.

Change comes from action. For example, the students who protested on Friday stood for change in leading a peaceful protest. 

But notice how no one in charge was there for the students’ protest. Instead, we got another email and a simple pat on the back.

In a time where our country is already facing backlash, this is the last thing a University should be dealing with, another racist incident, yet it shows the lack of care by those in charge. Leadership should be stronger, and punishments should be stiffer for things like this.

Saying you’re investigating an event and actually putting it into place are two different things. Action needs to happen now.

Categories: Opinion