Letter to the editor

Apologies should be made

I am far more offended by the reaction to the fallout from the hip-hop party than the party itself. Over the past few days, certain students have demonstrated an unconscionable level of ignorance.

Alpha Phi has chosen to defend itself by claiming that the party never had anything to do with race and was not intended to offend anyone. Thus, they imply, the fault for this uproar lies with those who had the temerity to be offended. This message has been echoed by many other students. It is an insult to our collective intelligence that these excuses are being used by Alpha Phi to avoid responsibility for their actions. Anyone in American society understands the direct connection between hip-hop and African-American culture. To pretend that this connection only exists in the minds of those offended is ridiculous.

As for not meaning to offend anyone í-- Alpha Phi has displayed absurdly bad judgment if offense was not intended. When Alpha Phi lets someone wearing something like the report card t-shirt participate -- or worse, allows them to be photographed -- at a sorority-sanctioned event, it will reflect back on the values of the sorority. By not removing that person from the event, Alpha Phi indicated a tacit acceptance of that person's message. Alpha Phi's decision to play the victim is both cowardly and reprehensible. Accountability and responsibility are highly valued in our society. Alpha Phi needs to demonstrate those attributes by apologizing and taking responsibility for their actions.

Joshua Lu

Accounting '10

Becoming vigilant members of our community

Two weeks ago, a high school student was brutally raped by at least six people while up to twenty others stood and watched, outside a homecoming dance in Richmond, California.

It took two and a half hours for somebody to call the police, after hearing about it through text messages and phone calls. In a tragic story where it seems that almost everybody involved failed to protect this girl--witnesses, security guards, chaperones--we should look to the example of the person who finally called the police. As students of a university that calls us to be compassionate, conscientious members of a community, we must be aware of our responsibility to intervene in and prevent situations such as this.

When you see something happening that looks dangerous or suspicious, find a safe way to step in. The Richmond high school student faces a long process of recovery and healing, hopefully with the love and support of family and friends. Let us be vigilant members of our community to protect those who might be hurt, and supportive allies for those who already have been. If you have questions about what Santa Clara does to promote awareness and safety, or you want to be more involved in this field, please contact the student organizations Every 2 Minutes and 1 in 4.

Jessica Rice

Vice-President, Every 2 Minutes

English and French'10