The independent student newspaper of Northeastern University

The Huntington News

The independent student newspaper of Northeastern University

The Huntington News

The independent student newspaper of Northeastern University

The Huntington News

Commentary: ‘Shadowy foe’ of racism threatens all

It is with great sadness that I feel obliged to remind my fellow members of the Northeastern community that racism is still a formidable force within our society.

Constant diligence is required to combat this social virus so that one day we may all be equals in each other’s minds.

We should not allow the heroic efforts of legendary activists like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. or Rosa Parks fall to the wayside and become forgotten. Let us unite to combat this shadowy foe so that one day we can all coexist peacefully in this world.

The recent act of hate committed against Professor Leonard Brown is a painful reminder that we have a long way to go as a community. It is in my opinion that an attack on one member of the Northeastern community is an attack on us all. As such, we are all responsible for remedying the current situation and for preventing any future occurrences.

The Student Government Association has taken an aggressive role on this issue in passing a resolution that strongly condemns all forms of discrimination. We ask you, our fellow students, to join us and all other members of the Northeastern community in leading society’s efforts to eliminate all forms of intolerance.

This is a much simpler task than it may at first appear, for it only requires that we all practice what we preach. Do not stand idle in a situation where racist dialogue exists or where discriminatory actions take place. Take a strong stand in denouncing these practices and it will surely have a rippling effect. Our individual efforts will inevitably come together to create an unstoppable opposition to these hateful mentalities.

I hope you believe in this cause and will join the rest of the Northeastern community in its quest to eradicate all forms of discrimination throughout our world.

– Rogan O’Handley is president of the Student Government Association.

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