By

The Macalester College Student Government (MCSG) would like to issue a statement condemning recent events on campus and reaffirming our commitment to each other here as members of a larger community. As we welcome the class of 2013 and all other new students to campus, it is worth remembering that they, like many of the rest of us in the Macalester community, chose this institution for its fearless promotion of understanding, acceptance and bridging of cross-cultural divides. Members of the Macalester community bring with them cultural, political and social differences and understandings that are to be celebrated, explored and critically engaged with. We are therefore alarmed that our campus should become a place where hateful bigotry replaces respectful conversation.We refer to the recent appearance of derogatory comments against Jewish and gay people in the dorms, not once, but twice during the first week of classes. We denounce such blatantly disrespectful, hateful acts. Regardless of the intent of the perpetrators, our ability to make Macalester a safe and welcoming community for all individuals is hindered by these senseless, despicable actions. MCSG speaks for the student body when we express disappointment in the judgment of the perpetrators, as well as the implications these actions have if not actively addressed by the Macalester community-in classrooms, in our interactions with each other, and in ourselves. If you have any information about the individuals behind these instances of hate speech, we ask you to contact a Residence Hall staff member or the Office of Student Affairs at x6220.

Macalester College Student Government hopes these unfortunate events can be a springboard to promote further cross-cultural understanding, tolerance and acceptance. We hope students can use this academic setting to pursue critical thinking and cross-cultural experiences while still maintaining a level of respect and compassion for those around us necessary to allow all students, regardless of background, identity or convictions, to thrive at our institution.

Signed,
Rudy Alejandro Herrera Marmol ’10
Karen Maeda ’12
Katie Agnew ’11
Laura Bartolomei-Hill’10
Aaron Brown ’10
Jackie Hoong ’12