Much attention has been given to The University of Mississippi and the conflict surrounding the disruption of “The Laramie Project.” Because of our troublesome history, issues surrounding differences — such as race or sexual orientation — are always a sensitive topic at this university. Although topics of perceived or actual differences may be sensitive, it does not mean we should shy away from those conversations; instead, we should embrace the opportunity to learn and grow as a community.
“The Laramie Project” disruption is somewhat reminiscent of the Election Day incident on our campus back in November. The previous year’s incident was about race; this year the controversy involves sexual orientation.
I draw these two parallels not to equate the separate incidents — we may never know specifically who said what, where or when. I draw these parallels to point to a deeper, but obvious, conclusion. The University of Mississippi needs to actively promote a climate welcoming and accepting of differences. Those differences include but are not limited to race, nationality, gender, sexual orientation and gender identity or expression. Equally as important as action taken by the university is that we as a student body need to help create that climate.
Much of the frustration after “The Laramie Project” disruption focused on blame and the media. Students were frustrated that our student athletes were being blamed instead of the larger audience. Many students were also concerned that the media sensation was unfair — had the incident happened on any other campus, it wouldn’t have made it in The New York Times or on CNN. However, channeling frustration on the previous two examples distracts from the larger issue. The theater department and members of the LGBTQ community were hurt by the incident, and some felt unwelcome on campus.
I, along with many members of the community, appreciated the open letter from Chancellor Jones and Athletics Director Ross Bjork. It outlined precisely the root of the problem demonstrated by some of our students: a lack of civility, education and understanding. So what’s next?
We cannot let the conversation die. We as members of the larger university community cannot sweep incidents of controversy under the rug, nor can we blame victims for the resulting media attention. Instead, we should look at these incidents as opportunities to grow as people and as a collective university family.
Before us today is an opportunity to learn more about the LGBTQ community, the unique obstacles they face and their many contributions to our campus and society. In the future, I hope our university will be even more explicit in statements of support for LGBTQ students on campus. I hope that as a campus we can truly take our commitment to the Creed seriously.
As a public institution, we are so far beyond tolerating differences. We should not simply just allow or permit differences to exist. We should accept and embrace differences. We should value differences and seek to learn about students and faculty members who may not look like us or love like us.
I think “The Laramie Project” incident has made us a stronger institution, but it didn’t have to happen. It hurt many members of the Ole Miss family. That’s where the attention should be focused. Let us be proactive in our response and dedicated to making this university a more accepting — not tolerant — institution for students and faculty of all walks of life.
Sean Higgins is a junior political science major from Brookings, S.D.
