Local News: Race and Racism at Baylor

Sphere: Related Content Editorial: Continue Diversity Discussion

From the Baylor University Lariat

Baylor is slowly trying to mend the racial wounds that were torn wide open on Election Night after a series of events led to a week of investigations, and a conclusion that these incidents were not racially charged.

Tensions ran high the day after the election when Baylor's name was splashed across the news after a perceived noose was found hanging from a tree and what were thought to be Obama/Biden signs were said to have been set on fire.

Even though these two notorious events are now disproven, there is obviously some racial tension on campus. It's undeniable that racial slurs and hate speech were exchanged between white and black students in front of Penland Hall on Election Night. These exchanges escalated to the point that police had to be called in to deal with the situation.

Although the situation is unfortunate and shouldn't have happened, it does shed light on a need to address diversity issues on campus.

Sadly, racism has played a major role in the history of the United States; Waco and Baylor are no exception.

In 1916, Waco was the site of the "Waco Horror," a brutal torture and lynching of Jesse Washington, a mentally disabled black farmhand who resided in Waco. This happened almost a century ago but is still remembered today.

Baylor's history includes a long chapter of racial segregation with only white students being allowed to enroll since it was founded in 1845. It wasn't until January 1964 that the first blacks were allowed to enroll as students at Baylor.

Had those four students who were responsible for leaving the rope swing known the history of their university and the very city they live in, they may have thought twice about leaving a rope hanging from a tree. These students should have been more perceptive, not only to the city's history, but also to other minority students who could have interpreted the rope offensively.

Baylor is continually becoming more diverse. The student body of more than 14,000 is composed of 28.2 percent of minority students and 71.2 percent of non-minority students, according to the profile of undergraduate students released by the university on Sept. 11. With over a quarter of students being of a minority, the racial tension on Election Night struck a cord.

Interim President David E. Garland has fostered a healthy dialogue about the events and diversity. He acted swiftly, denouncing any acts of racism on campus in an e-mail sent out to students on the day after the incidents unfolded. Proper authorities also were brought in to investigate the situation.

The true sentiment of the Baylor community were tested and met with actions instead of pacifism. Students have shown that racism has no place on campus and have organized meetings and marches to protest the incidents.

Any type of racism is not welcome, especially at a Christian university, but these recent incidents can hopefully help change attitudes and unify a campus that is continually diversifying. The university is home to students from all 50 states and 70 countries. Unfortunately, the sense of security, welcoming and comfort for some students has been damaged.

Recent undertakings to address any racial tensions need to continue. Just because the incidents have been resolved this time doesn't mean that the university is finished dealing with race relations.

A firm policy against racial acts needs to be enforced so that a firm precedent is set acknowledging that Baylor will not tolerate any acts of racism.

The events are a testament of how much work is still yet to be done on campus to promote a loving Christian environment of acceptance and understanding toward others regardless or race.

A school with a history of racial segregation is in an especially important position to send a clear message that any type of racism will not be tolerated on campus. The administration's attention to this situation has been appropriate, but this should not be the end of it.

Published on Tuesday, November 18, 2008