Students were outraged at Wesleyan
University when Bryan Stascavage wrote an opinion column in the school news
paper concerning the Black Lives Matter movement. Not about what the Black
Lives Matter movement stood for, but its anti-cop approach. It had no name
calling or any racial slurs, but the student body was out raged. Bryan was a 30
year old sophomore, and a returning war veteran. The students held protests,
and burned newspapers.
But ultimately, the president of the school did not punish Stascavage for his words. He ended up having to transfer because of the distaste of the student body. Personally I see Stascavage's piece for what it is; an opinion piece. Yes, it is very opinionative, and lines were close to being crossed. But he has the right to that opinion. Do I have to agree with everything he has to say? No. But for college students to act this way towards someone with a different view point is simply unfair. I think these situations have to be handled differently, and that responsibility does need to come from the student body in certain situations such as this one.
But ultimately, the president of the school did not punish Stascavage for his words. He ended up having to transfer because of the distaste of the student body. Personally I see Stascavage's piece for what it is; an opinion piece. Yes, it is very opinionative, and lines were close to being crossed. But he has the right to that opinion. Do I have to agree with everything he has to say? No. But for college students to act this way towards someone with a different view point is simply unfair. I think these situations have to be handled differently, and that responsibility does need to come from the student body in certain situations such as this one.
--Madi Smith
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