Op-Ed: “Reconciliation” Does Not Answer Racial Tensions

By Samantha Alsina on November 21, 2016

The Change to Student Life

An alleged on-campus hate crime is currently being investigated by UC Santa Cruz Police Department.

On November 11th around 11:30pm, a student was walking past the Quarry Amphitheater when she was followed by three unknown males who began “calling out to her in an offensive manner” which then escalated with a rock being thrown at her head.

According to the UCPD, all three male suspects were in their early 20’s. One suspect wore a colored sweatshirt while the other was unshaven and wore sweatpants with a dark baseball cap. The third suspect’s clothing is unknown.

The UCPD has encouraged any individual who has information about this crime to come forward. The racial identity of all three suspects and the female student were left omitted.

The withholding of race in a case of an alleged hate crime is not only strange but perhaps even counterproductive. In light of recent events, it is no wonder why many students currently feel unsafe.

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This is not the time for omission nor the time for half-hearted honesty, even if it is meant to keep the peace and not incite panic.

Unreported incidents of racism have occurred on college campuses everywhere. Students being spit on, vandalism of certain locations, even harassment on social media giants like Twitter.

What is happening here is reflective of the political climate we currently live in.

The Present Political Moment

According to the Southern Poverty Law Center, over 200 incidents of hate crimes have been reported since the election, the two leading being anti-black and anti-immigrant related incidents.

It is a harsh reminder to people of color for the need to remain vigilant, supportive and vocal about keeping communities and spaces safe.

The presidential election has sparked rage nationally with many believing that Trump is the rise of white nationalism. With the newly appointed Chief Strategist, Steve Bannon, many students are convinced that what this nation is witnessing is more than what is being acknowledged.

The backlash is not unwarranted. Other reports have clearly highlighted Bannon’s anti-Semitic and racially charged views, many pointing out and speculating that white nationalism is now even more pervasive under the guise of  alt-right conservatism or populism.

While many celebrities and politicians alike have urged the public to give Trump a chance, many people of color are feeling personally targeted and in danger of being deported or prejudiced against.

Those who are trying to urge the public to come together are well-intentioned but they are misguided attempts to rectify the situation we have at hand.

A Trump Presidency

Trump’s plan of action for the first hundred days of his presidency, currently outlined in detail by NPR, justifies the public’s panic and rage across the country.

His plan of action includes repealing many of Obama’s executive actions including the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) which for the UCSC community and nationally, would be a huge step backwards from real immigration reform.

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Climate change is also hugely problematic under his plan. The Keystone Pipeline will go forward in being constructed and the international plans to cut back emissions will be halted under a Trump presidency.

These are not issues to be overlooked. Some of us are not privileged enough to shrug and move on with life. Some of us will continue to suffer, in the wait for reform, in the face of possible deportation.

A Trump presidency threatens the values that our community holds dear and his policies will obstruct the means for many to access education. Many people do not have the choice to reconcile with or to accept Trump as president, not when it means that it would jeopardize our lives.

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