Staff Editorial: Wrong is wrong, hate is hate
Issue date: 4/29/09 Section: Opinions
There are simply too many variables and unknowns at this point to say which set of charges is more appropriate.
The three men who were arrested, and anyone else involved, understood the symbolism of the noose. Remember that they are also students of Lewis University and members of our community. We must not forget the mission statements here, which these confused young men have shown a disdain for.
"Justice: The affirmation of the equal dignity of every person and the promotion of personal and social responsibility."
"Association: The process of forming a community of mutual respect, collegiality, collaboration and service."
It is not our place to pass judgment or pretend that we are the Lewis Judicial Board. However, we hope that when the time comes to decide the future of the three men in relation to Lewis University, that the board strongly considers the slap in the face that has been delivered to our University mission statement.
The thought that these crimes were anything less than a hate crime is insulting those who have been harmed by these individuals' alleged actions, as well as the victims of hate crimes in the past. Whether the perpetrators intended to cause harm, is not a question of debate. A noose is used for nothing other than to cause pain to a group or an individual. This act was clearly meant to cause fear or pain.
In many cases, this paper would be defending the individual's right to freedom of speech, but in this case we simply cannot. The statement made was one solely of anger and hatred with the intent to cause pain, making a clear cut case of hate speech. Therefore, the individuals in question forfeited their rights because it infringed the rights and safety of ohers. This we can not stand for.
The fact that these chargers were diminished from that of a hate crime by law enforcement officials is unacceptable. It does not coincide with the ideas of this institution or the ideas of the United States constitution. Individual's rights were limited by the acts of other and the proper measures need to be taken. Don't let this slide with a slap on the wrist. Full measures need to be used. A boundary was crossed, and now we can not go back.
The three men who were arrested, and anyone else involved, understood the symbolism of the noose. Remember that they are also students of Lewis University and members of our community. We must not forget the mission statements here, which these confused young men have shown a disdain for.
"Justice: The affirmation of the equal dignity of every person and the promotion of personal and social responsibility."
"Association: The process of forming a community of mutual respect, collegiality, collaboration and service."
It is not our place to pass judgment or pretend that we are the Lewis Judicial Board. However, we hope that when the time comes to decide the future of the three men in relation to Lewis University, that the board strongly considers the slap in the face that has been delivered to our University mission statement.
The thought that these crimes were anything less than a hate crime is insulting those who have been harmed by these individuals' alleged actions, as well as the victims of hate crimes in the past. Whether the perpetrators intended to cause harm, is not a question of debate. A noose is used for nothing other than to cause pain to a group or an individual. This act was clearly meant to cause fear or pain.
In many cases, this paper would be defending the individual's right to freedom of speech, but in this case we simply cannot. The statement made was one solely of anger and hatred with the intent to cause pain, making a clear cut case of hate speech. Therefore, the individuals in question forfeited their rights because it infringed the rights and safety of ohers. This we can not stand for.
The fact that these chargers were diminished from that of a hate crime by law enforcement officials is unacceptable. It does not coincide with the ideas of this institution or the ideas of the United States constitution. Individual's rights were limited by the acts of other and the proper measures need to be taken. Don't let this slide with a slap on the wrist. Full measures need to be used. A boundary was crossed, and now we can not go back.
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