In the past few years, there have been several incidents of racism and hate speech on college campuses, including Indiana State University (ISU). Students at ISU have taken to social media to address and confront these issues, using their platforms to raise awareness and demand action from the university administration.One such incident occurred in April 2024, when a student posted a video to the popular college and Greek Life social media app Yik Yak, containing racially motivated comments toward black students and involving remarks regarding slavery.
The video sparked outrage among students, who organized a protest on campus, handing out sheets of paper containing a letter to the university president Deborah Curtis and ISU Board of Trustees. The letter demanded repercussions and accountability for the student’s racist and discriminatory behavior, as well as a formal statement from the university acknowledging the disturbing video and the disciplinary actions taken in response. The students also called for a zero-tolerance policy regarding hate speech and discrimination of any means by an ISU student, with specific disciplinary action outlined in the Code of Student Conduct.The protest was a clear indication that ISU students are not willing to tolerate racism and hate speech on their campus. The university administration responded by acknowledging the incident and reiterating their commitment to ensuring all students, staff, and faculty feel welcomed, valued, safe, and supported.
The Dean of Students Office and IU Bias Response and Education team are aware of the incident and are proceeding in alignment with the university’s commitment to ethical conduct and integrity.This is not the first time that ISU students have used social media to confront racism on their campus. In September 2023, an IU student faced criticism after posting a TikTok video with remarks deemed racist against a Palestinian student. The video sparked outrage among students, who called for action against the student and demanded a robust response from the university to ensure the safety and well-being of all its students.
The incident prompted the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee to release a statement, calling on IU to take action against the student.The use of social media to address and confront racism on college campuses is a powerful tool that allows students to amplify their voices and demand action from the university administration. It also highlights the importance of creating a safe and inclusive campus environment, where all students feel welcomed, valued, and supported.In response to these incidents, Indiana State University’s Black Alumni Network released a press release, expressing their support for the students and their demands for a zero-tolerance policy regarding hate speech and discrimination. The press release also highlighted the importance of creating a safe and inclusive campus environment, where all students can thrive.
In conclusion, the use of social media by ISU students to address and confront racism on their campus is a testament to their commitment to creating a safe and inclusive campus environment. The university administration must take these incidents seriously and take action to ensure that all students feel welcomed, valued, and supported. It is crucial that universities take a zero-tolerance approach to hate speech and discrimination, and work to create a campus culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion