Hey guys!

How are you all?  I hope everyone had a nice weekend, and enjoyed celebrating Diwali!!

I mentioned the idea to a couple Exec members this weekend, and I think it is really important that our organization recognize the recent racial displays that happened.  We were all really busy with Diwali and I know I myself put it in the back of my mind but the Wednesday before Diwali.  This is what was written from President Hodge's email:

Tuesday afternoon, October 30, a Miami undergraduate, in what he reports to have been a group art project, hung several nooses and a tire swing from a tree on Patterson Avenue on the Oxford campus.  Several students observed and were alarmed by the display and called the university police.  In response to the students who confronted him, the student explained that he did not intend this to be racially motivated and apologized profusely for his actions.  The police questioned the student and immediately removed the display.

I am deeply troubled by this incident and the insensitivity that it reflects.  I am angered and dismayed that any person on this campus, particularly in light of the recent incidents in Jena, Mississippi, would even unintentionally create such a display.  Dean Susan Mosley-Howard and others have met with many of the students who witnessed the display, assuring them in every way possible that the insensitive actions of this individual is the antithesis of the values we hold dear at Miami.  I am most troubled that African American students, who have put their trust in Miami, had to confront the historic symbols of injustice and hatred in this country.

As Exec, I think we should have our organization be more aware of this and possibly have a discussion of what happened and what we as minority students on this campus can do for the future.  I know many of us have been in uncomfortable, surprising situations and it isn't something we should ignore.  This Wednesday (our usual ISA meeting day) is Pulkit's last movie showing, but would you guys be up for having a meeting on Thursday night?  I know AAA had a meeting last week and they could maybe help lead our discussion, we could talk about Jena 6 events, our campus, etc.

Please let me know your thoughts and we can make arrangements soon!

Kavi