2008 Woodie Awards
Group calls for FBI probe for alleged hate crime
By: Thomas Marcetti
Issue date: 11/19/07 Section: News
- Page 1 of 1
| |
|
The Rev. Charles E. Williams II of the National Council for Community Empowerment went to the front of the Bovee University Center to call for a federal investigation into an incident involving the hanging of four hangman's nooses Monday in the Engineering and Technology Building.
"This is not just a black and white issue," Williams said. "This is a call to rally against all hate crimes."
He said the episode affects all minority groups.
"This is a call to action at CMU," he said.
The assembled crowd also shouted "What do we want? Investigation. When do we want it? Now," as they marched through campus to Pearce Hall and then to the IET Building.
Detroit senior Shanese Ross said it was sad things had to come to this.
She said while student groups try to counteract hatred and racism, it is not enough.
"The student voice is not as loud as the administration's," Ross said. "The administration is all talk; they could do more."
She said she hopes the nooses and the rally push the administration to action.
Williams called for the community to embrace the students.
"I don't know how I'd feel to walk on this campus at night," he said. "It's scary not knowing who's behind you and what they're saying."
Mount Pleasant graduate student Sean Novak said the incident with the nooses does not surprise him.
"Stuff like this has been happening (on campus) since '99," he said. "There is a lot of intolerance, a lot of apathy."
Novak said recent incidents such as the anti-Islamic and anti-Native American fliers and swastika graffiti are proof this is not isolated.
Williams, along with two students, met with University President Michael Rao Friday afternoon.
This is a social justice issue, Williams said and he will not rest until action is taken.
"We will not tolerate acts of this nature," he said. "We not gonna give up, we not gonna bend."
news@cm-life.com
Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 20
Mitch
posted 11/19/07 @ 8:21 AM EST
Did anyone cite these protesters for violating university policy? They appear in the photos in this story as well as the story Friday to be too close to the front of the building and in violation of CMU's advocacy policies. (Continued…)
Daniel Kelley
posted 11/19/07 @ 10:25 AM EST
If it is a crime to hang a noose then that should be specified by CMU. If this is a hate crime, then who is the victim? Those who heard about it or those who saw it. (Continued…)
Think for yourself
posted 11/19/07 @ 12:20 PM EST
An FBI probe? Really?
Based on the sentiment of the protests of the 'hate crime,' shouldn't the Jena 6 be on trial for committing a hate crime as well? Call me crazy, but six individuals of one race kicking an unconscious member of another seems to fit the bill. (Continued…)
Kristophshredskii
An Opinionated Reader
posted 11/19/07 @ 2:26 PM EST
This is just getting out of hand. No one was hurt here, no one was hung from the nooses, and there is no confirmation that this was even racially motivated. (Continued…)
meagan slappey
posted 11/19/07 @ 3:00 PM EST
"If it is a crime to hang a noose then that should be specified by CMU. If this is a hate crime, then who is the victim?"
The victims are ANYONE who took offense to his actions. (Continued…)
Laura Matthews '04
posted 11/19/07 @ 3:24 PM EST
I'm sick and tired of the lefties complaining about this sort of thing. While what happened was unfortunate and I in no way condone it, it's protected free speech and I haven't seen anyone allege a specific criminal act occurred by displaying a noose. (Continued…)
zeke
posted 11/20/07 @ 12:50 AM EST
this is sad, we gotta love and not hate, dont let the devil win
Sarah
posted 11/20/07 @ 2:17 AM EST
I find it interesting that it took noose's to call people to action. The graffiti didn't the anti islamic, anti Native american, anti diversity movements and comments that have occured on our campus for years haven't called so much attention as four noose's that have been reported to be a Halloween prank. (Continued…)
Joe Student
posted 11/20/07 @ 2:35 PM EST
Another point of view:
Due to the recent happenings on CMU's campus in the ET building, I find compelled to express my opinion regarding the issue. (Continued…)
Joe Student
Jane Student
posted 11/20/07 @ 2:46 PM EST
Another point of view:
Due to the recent happenings on CMU's campus in the ET building, I find compelled to express my opinion regarding the issue. (Continued…)
Post a Comment