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Ebbtide Staff In response to the incident that occurred in the SCC gym on Oct. 22, students from Kathleen Lynch's "Communication Across Differences" class met with the Interim Vice President, Tom Curtis. Curtis oversees Student Programs at the college. What happened at school didn't hit me very hard until I saw my friend that was beat up. My emotion began to fly, as he was very nervous to talk about it. .... For me if something like this happens I want to know both sides and at this point neither are presented very well. ...Our emotions play a major role in what we express, openly to others. It is easy to act on emotions, which allows us to take sides. It is hard to put your emotions on hold, but in order to look at the situation openly you have to do that. ...We are quick to blame people even the administration for not doing anything. When we see it from their side it is so complex... We can't just point the finger. It is going to take awhile to solve the problem... -- Peter Ewaida ... At first when I had heard about what happened I became angry and hostile toward the party that I thought had instigated the situation. Looking into it more however, I discovered that it wasn't one sided and that it was deeper that what I had first thought it to be. I guess I was a little biased because I knew the kid that the issue involved. ...I just want people to know that actions really do speak louder than words. The actions of the students involved raised and issue much deeper than just a fight between boys. The issue of "racial hate" came into play. That is a serious issue and something I may be uneducated, but I know it's wrong. I just wish others could see what I see. People are people, just the same as me. Whites, blacks, Arabs, Asians, Mexicans, whoever. We're all the same. We're people who deserve to be treated as equals among each other. -- Sarah Parisot ...I have learned a lot as a result. First of all, I have once again realized that no matter what the circumstance is, people should not act violently. Violence causes all sorts of problems. Also, I was very disappointed the fact that college students caused this kind of incident and what surprised me even more was the fact that this incident happened at my school. People should not judge one another by their skin colors. As matter of fact we are just human. No one is better than the other is. God has created people equally. -- Junsuk An The incident between the student and the basketball team has got me at a loss of words. I'm very upset at the fact of people fighting, but the possibility of it being a racial issue, whether at the start of the fight or the end, is disturbing. It makes me wonder how people are supposed to promote unity and equality when difference is the first issue blamed for disputes. Even when both groups-neither the white majority-have undergone prejudice, why does anyone (whether those involved or those gossiping) see it fit to have race come into play? I have learned that it is almost impossible for equality --for the subconscious being will always see it. But I will never give up my hope. -- Melinda Lynch ...I think it is incredible poor judgment on both their parts and the fact that they are still fighting in college is ridiculous. ...I think that the coach should have led by example and taken more of an authoritative role. The lack of appropriate action by the coach demonstrates to the team that this behavior is tolerable or it's just something we have to deal with in society. More upsetting was that the individual actions might have been fueled by the high adrenaline that was flowing in the heat of the moment. By having severe retribution to the coach and other involved to demonstrate the acceptance of cultural diversity/unity in the school it can make the targeted groups feel more comfortable. Also showing that this behavior is not tolerated at SCC. -- Mbedha Kiboigo At the time of printing the Office of Security and Safety is still conducting its investigation into this matter. Until an incident report is issued from the managersŐ office, the administration is unable to comment on the incident. © 2002 Shoreline Community College™ |