On Friday, Feb. 3, the university saw yet another racial incident in a residence hall on campus. Fliers were posted in a residence hall corridor in an effort to advertise a pseudo-event. These fliers, however, were full of racial stereotypes, racially charged language and slandered the name of a Residential Life employee.

The flier is reminiscent of a time when humor about black stereotypes was common. When “Sambo,” “Jezebel,” “Mammy” and the “Magical Negro” were more than phrases, but entire productions aimed at the degradation of African-Americans. The propaganda used in the late 1800s was widespread and purported the supposed unintelligence of black people. Yet in 2012, during Black History Month, we again see stereotypes posted on the wall mimicking black culture as if the times never changed.

I doubt the students who committed this act were aware of their eerie rendition of a very tumultuous and oppressive time in black history. I doubt they considered the effect this could have on students not only in their residence hall, but all across the campus. Most likely they assumed it was “just a prank.”

Let it be clear that, regardless of intent, it was a “prank” aimed at the expense of African-Americans. Even after two years of unity, it is obvious there are students who do not comprehend how unacceptable these actions are. Across the nation, February is a month celebrating the contributions of African-Americans to this country and the history of a race that has overcome slavery, segregation, discrimination, prejudice and more. Why at an institution that stands for respect and responsibility, do our students have a problem keeping these values in mind when they matter most?

Somehow students still find humor in caricaturing a race of people who are still fighting discrimination from our forefathers’ past. Racism and racially motivated speech are never funny. Students do not think so, faculty does not think so and the university administration does not think so. The University of Missouri and MU Police Department will not tolerate these exploits and have demonstrated in the past that punishment will follow.

Let me repeat, punishment will follow. Punishment for public or private displays of discrimination or any other hate crime can earn a student: serious consultation with administration, mandatory workshops or counseling, suspension and/or expulsion. In addition, the Office of Student Conduct can give an educational workload that rivals the hardest capstone class. This list fails to include the city or state sanctions a student could receive outside of the university’s jurisdiction.

Do not harm an entire race of people and campus in the name of fun, not to mention jeopardize your academic career and earn a criminal record. Do not let a “prank” ruin what you are at this university for, to obtain an education. Remember what the University of Missouri stands upon, RESPECT, RESPONSIBILITY, DISCOVERY and EXCELLENCE. Let these values guide you during your time at the university; don’t let one instance cut that time short.

On behalf of the Legion of Black Collegians,

Have a Happy Black History Month,

Whitney L. Williams
President
The Legion of Black Collegians
wlwc87@mail.missouri.edu