Black Student Union Response to University of Maryland Hate Crimes

Black Issues in Higher Education, Dec 9, 1999

Currently, there has been an increase of racial tension on the way at the University of Maryland's campus. There have been a total of 12 reported incidents. These tensions have fully manifested themselves in the form of e-mails and hate mail.

On Nov. 16, 1999 the President of the SGA, the Black Student Union and an executive of the Black Student Union, respectively, via campus mail, received three letters. These hate letters, directed towards African American leaders, are the latest addition in a series of negative events, contributing to a changed racial climate felt by minority students on the University of Maryland-College Park campus.

As executives of the Black Student Union, we are disappointed in our campus administration's slow reaction to this reoccurring problem. We appreciate the out-pouring of support from our administration. Hate crimes are an issue that should be dealt with in a concise and expedient manner.