Crops house incident: opportunity to improve

So you want to know what happened at the Crop’s House?

Here’s what we do know: at “the party,” there was a confederate flag, a beer pong table with a painted confederate flag and a noose. There is much speculation over the signs, but we have heard reports of both versions (“no Obama, no liberals” and “no ni-ers, no fa-ots, no hippies”). Regardless of what the alleged sign may have said, though, a combination of a noose and confederate flag implies only one thing and I can promise you it doesn’t mean a history of the South.

Once the media got a hold of this situation, personal opinions on the outcomes of the students became well known. Some felt that they should be expelled, while others still lack an understanding of “why everyone is so upset.” For those of us who have been traditionally marginalized, these words ring true.

Don’t know what I mean? Try walking down Marsh Street while a truck full of people shouting “dyke” or “fa-ot” or “ni-er” drive by. Try going into a bar with two gay or black friends and watch the entire place turn to look at you.

Think we live in an equal and welcoming world? Think again.

The groundswell of student activism has been apparent, and I am proud of every person who commented, questioned or engaged in conversation regarding not only the crops incident but on current Cal Poly policy on diversity and inclusion as well.

Ultimately, the six students determined that it was in their best interest to move out of the house. Again, we don’t know for sure, but my best guess is that a few of them wanted to remove themselves from the situation, while others were simply overwhelmed with the attention. There have been several statements issued on behalf of nearly all entities on campus, some more aggressive than others, but at the end of the day one message is clear: Cal Poly does not support hate.

Since the beginning of the media storm, I have met with campus administrators several times a day. I told them that students lack a safe, anonymous place to report incidents of discrimination or inequality. We’ve talked about academics and I pointed out the importance of incorporating a diversity component to each course requirement. With the help of some powerful students, there have been talks about USCP requirements and establishing an ombudsmen office. I have put pressure on the deans, the division of Students Affairs, our university president and fellow student leaders to forego business-as-usual and re-establish Cal Poly as a safe space for all students and employees.

Make sure to attend the Campus Community meeting on diversity and inclusion discussion on Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the main hall of the Performing Arts Center. This student-centered forum will allow any and all persons to communicate their feelings and ask questions of President Warren Baker, vice president of Student Affairs Cornel Morton and each of your college deans. This is a true collaborative effort on behalf of students, staff and faculty.

We will not go quietly – keep fighting for change! The campus is listening.

Angela Kramer is Cal Poly’s Associated Students Inc. president and a political science senior.