BUZZ
Want a ‘commitment’ administrators ‘will not use the First Amendment to defend ‘derogatory’ speech.’
Following reports of a pair of racist incidents on campus, “scores” of student protesters at Arkansas State University organized by the ASU Young Democrats demanded “accountability” from the school on Friday.
One of the incidents allegedly involved a resident assistant using the n-word in a discussion with a student, a recording of which was posted by NEA Report.
In a since-made-private Facebook post, student Isabell Dickerson wrote “I recorded a Resident Assistant […] and another student calling me a n*gger while discussing me on Wednesday […] Once recording started, the conversation continued and escalated.”
A second incident allegedly showed a “young man with a swastika and the term ‘n*gger lover’ written on his back” at a fraternity.
According to Jonesboro Right Now, ASU student demonstrators want answers from the school’s Title IX office, and for the school to “to publicly acknowledge ‘racist remarks that caused real harm to our students and our community.’”
Protester John Thompson claimed the Title IX office “basically” had told Dickerson that the RA “had a First Amendment right” to say the slur, and that “she was kind of on her own.”
Thompson and fellow demonstrators demanded an “independent investigation” into the Dickerson matter, “implementation of new policies in the A-State student handbook regarding protections for and respectful treatment of students,” and a “commitment” from ASU officials that they “will not use the First Amendment to defend ‘derogatory’ speech.”
Thompson noted “there used to be a time when th[e] Constitution silenced our voices.”
Speakers emphasized that they wanted A-State to be a safe place for future students and where they could feel welcome.
Dr. Lucy Barnhouse, assistant professor of history, spoke during the demonstration. She said she wanted to show students in attendance that they weren’t alone.
“I don’t want to take away from the time that you are honorably and courageously doing here. I did want you to hear the voice of a faculty member to say that you are not standing alone,” Barnhouse said. “I am proud to have all of you in my classroom.”
Denisha Jackson, who said she was a member of a Greek organization, said she was speaking out for every student who had ever felt unseen or unsafe on campus. …
“To the administration, faculty, and leadership of Arkansas State University, we are not asking for empty statements. We are not asking for temporary sympathy. We are asking for action. We want accountability for the racist behavior.”
In a statement, ASU Vice President for Strategic Communications & Economic Development Jeff Hankins said the incidents “were investigated externally by ASU System General Counsel and by the ASU System Office of Institutional Integrity & Title IX” and that “consistent with applicable law […] corrective actions were taken.”
Video of the protest is available here.
MORE: Arkansas State sued for banning students from telling peers they have First Amendment rights
