End acts of hate

Little 500 and the week preceding it provided many reasons to celebrate, and thousands of people did so heartily. Most people, though, do not realize that early in the week when the weather was still sunny and warm, and anticipation of the “world’s greatest weekend” was at its strongest, there were members of our community who were targets of a hate crime. On Monday morning, April 7, an IU student discovered that her car had been vandalized in the parking lot at her off-campus residence east of campus. The car had been “keyed,” and the word “spic” was etched on the passenger side. This act was not just another case of vandalism. It was a conscious effort to hurt someone based on the fact that she was of Hispanic descent. When an incident of this type happens in a community, the harm goes beyond the individual and permeates the community. The Racial Incidents Team and the dean of students wish to express to this student and other members of the Latino community that this type of hate incident must not be tolerated. We are saddened by this mean-spirited and illegal act, and we call on all members of the IU community to show support for those who may be targeted by such acts. You can help end hateful acts in several ways. Speak up when those around you make demeaning comments about persons because of their identity – race, religion, sexual orientation, gender or national origin. Learn about others by visiting culture centers, attending programs and making an effort to become acquainted with persons who do not look like you or speak the same language as you. Bring attention to hate so that we can support victims and learn about issues. Report incidents to the Incident Teams at IU via e-mail at trust@indiana.edu or by submitting a form found online at www.trust.indiana.edu. You also may call the Office of Student Ethics and Anti-Harassment Programs at 855-4463 to report an incident. To the student who experienced this incident, we say “thanks” for letting us use this opportunity to raise awareness in our community about the unfortunate reality and ills of such hateful acts. To the rest of the community, let us work together to make IU and Bloomington an even better place for all by ending acts of hate.