A group of SMU student leaders from multiple organizations hosted a town meeting in Hughes-Trigg Student Center Forum to discuss recent incidents of hateful behavior on campus, and culture clashes in the community on Nov. 16 at 8 p.m.
Concerned students Biko McMillan, Taylor Nickens, Brianna Hogg, Marcus McNeil and Naomi Samuel led the meeting titled “A Call to Action.”
Other SMU student leaders and faculty members were invited to discuss episodes happening on campus and propose solutions to incite positive change.
The speakers gave a presentation, first discussing the most recent events of hate crimes reported on campus: a sign saying “We Gon’ Be Alright” posted in front of the SMU Multicultural House that was crumpled and torn down on Nov. 10 and anti-black fliers found across campus on Nov. 11.
They also discussed offensive incidents that occurred on campus in October 2015. These include racist posts toward people of color on the anonymous-user app Yik Yak, and a racially-offensive Greek party themed “Ice Age.”
Addressing these events, McMillan said “we have to find solutions or these problems will happen time and time again.”
He attributed multiple SMU organizations like the Women’s Interest Network and SMU counseling services, University administration and president R. Gerald Turner for listening and being supportive, but emphasized change should start among students.
https://twitter.com/OliviaQNguyen/status/799074796952764425
"President Turner is really listening to us, but as students, we need to take the reigns" -Biko McMillan
— The Daily Campus (@thedailycampus) November 17, 2016
Hogg then took the floor, changing topics from hateful incidents on campus to harassment and hate crimes reported in the U.S. since Donald Trump was elected president.
She said “over 300 cases have been reported since Trump was elected president” and take places like “businesses” and “grade schools,” affecting citizens of all ages, especially ones in “kindergarten through grade 12.”
The student leaders stressed how these incidents show their “livelihood is at stake.” The members then opened the floor to discussion, where attendants proposed possible solutions to make SMU a safer, more accepting institution.
"I think education may be a more appropriate response." -SMU junior Jessica #WeWillBeValued
— The Daily Campus (@thedailycampus) November 17, 2016
https://twitter.com/OliviaQNguyen/status/799080585675292676
"Other people's opinion shouldn't matter if you are doing the right thing" #WeWillBeValued
— The Daily Campus (@thedailycampus) November 17, 2016
https://twitter.com/OliviaQNguyen/status/799081502092967942
After listening to suggestions of strategies and solutions by SMU student leaders and community members, the five students gave their final statements.
McMillan reiterated the importance of ushering open dialogue to create a culture change in the community.
“Please have those conversations,” he said.
Nickens also introduced the hashtag #WeWillBeValued created by the students, alluding to the Values Statement at SMU, to promote culture change on campus.
https://twitter.com/OliviaQNguyen/status/799077517785174016
The Embrey Human Rights Program will host another meeting titled “Defending Dignity” on Nov. 18 at Hughes-Trigg Student Center Forum and “continue this conversation”.
