During spring break, a number of racist posts on the app Yik Yak were shared among the AU community. The student reaction to these disturbing posts has been swift and strong, with The Darkening leading a protest to bring light to race relations at AU.
The Eagle is aware that there is no conclusive way to know if the posts were written by AU students because Yik Yak is an anonymous service, but that simply does not matter. The posts, regardless, represent the environment we live in. And no matter what, AU students were reading the posts without downvoting them. Beyond that, the fact that many in the community readily believe AU students have written the posts is indicative of a larger problem.
Students associated with The Darkening, as in past demonstrations, are remarkably efficient and effective in their methods of protesting. The Eagle commends them for being able to start a real conversation. They set a good example for what activism can be done in regard to race relations at AU.
"Unfortunately, problems like these cannot be fixed by only one segment of students."
Unfortunately, problems like these cannot be fixed by only one segment of students. It is on all students to take the initiative to actively discuss race and work to better their understanding of the issue. Judging by the fact that there were only a handful of white students participating in last weeks’ demonstration, we have not yet begun to do this effectively.
So what can be done? The idea of a mandatory class on race relations was brought up at the protest, and it is an idea that could bring about real change. Although it may seem hollow to discuss race in such a privileged academic setting, the simple act of being formally educated on the complexities of the issue can go a long way to combat both casual racism and apathy.
The University administration has also been a commendably present and active voice in this backlash, and members of the administration were present at the protest. They clearly understand the significance of these posts, and at least on face value are taking steps to address students’ concerns. Major curriculum changes always move slowly and there has been no promise to add the proposed class, but it is nice to know that at least administrators like Vice President of Campus Life Gail Hanson are hearing students’ concerns.
The Eagle knows that an issue so systemic and ingrained as the racist thinking in these Yik Yak posts will not be fixed overnight. We know that the people who wrote those posts will not read one editorial, or witness one protest, and immediately change their minds. Still, as long as these conversations are being had and these marginalized voices are being heard, we are at least on the right path. -E
