We, as the on-campus affiliate of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), acknowledge the First Amendment rights of all American citizens. It is unconstitutional to punish for the use of protected pieces of free speech. However, hanging a noose, at all, demonstrates the intent to intimidate. Louisiana state law asserts that a noose, “historically used in execution by hanging, symbolizes racism and intimidation.” Louisiana is the third state, after Connecticut and New York, to ban the noose.
This brings into question the display of the noose in context with the alleged sign and Confederate flag witnessed on campus. Does this incident qualify as a misdemeanor federal hate crime (U.S. v. Munsen, 2007)?
We, like many of you, are both dismayed and appalled by the recent actions of certain members of our campus. The words and imagery that were posted are beyond acceptable. They are a horrid, shameful reminder of our nation’s history of prejudice. It is an unfortunate fact that some members of the Cal Poly community share their ostensible views. It must not be tolerated.
It is important that, as citizens of these United States, we must denounce threatening acts of hatred whenever they arise. Unfortunately, this mentality of ignorance and malice is still present in the 21st century – even in California and our own university.
We write this letter not to those who posted the sign, Confederate flag and noose but to the majority of our community who are infuriated by the intent to intimidate. We must not sit silent in our anger. We must live by example. Each and every time we are confronted by bigotry, racism and hatred, we must not stand idly by but denounce it.
We must embody our values. Too often the opinions and comments of bigots are left unchallenged. Let the actions of these individuals not be a blemish on our campus but let this be a rallying point for our community.
These events will be best remembered by a positive and overwhelming response from the majority of Cal Poly, rather than the vile acts of a few. In order to end racism, we must teach the truth of acceptance. We must come together and make the world that we desire to live in a reality.
The Civil Liberties Alliance is the affiliate club at Cal Poly for the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California.