It appears that racism has no boundaries. It rears its distasteful head in too many places and spaces that we hold dear to us.
Higher education is not immune from this seemingly everyday occurrence. Colleges and universities where scholars reside are now arguably training grounds for future racists.
Well-intentioned students who enter the academic gates each year yearning for high ideals and lofty goals are now being met with racism and sexism.
Some would say, “How can this be”? After all, this is college. It can be because, unfortunately, some in the halls of ivy spew out hate. While it may be subtle at times, the sting and the pain are present. It is my opinion that racism, sexism and bad behavior in general are becoming more visible on college campuses these days.
Recently, American University in Washington, D.C., made national news for all the wrong reasons. Having racist behavior on your college campus places you in an unenviable position. Instead of touting your research, you are apologizing for inappropriate conduct.
American University student Taylor Dumpson ran for the position of president of the student government association. She won. She is African-American and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (AKA). Dumpson received cheers for her victory and jeers from some because she is African-American. Bananas were found dangling from nooses with a sign with the letters AKA on campus on May 1. Mean-spirited and hate-filled are adequate words to describe what happened at American University in Washington.
Dumpson gave a statement shortly after the banana noose incident and quoted Frederick Douglass. Douglass said, “If there is no struggle, there is no progress.”
