Race still an issue

The Current | May 10, 1999

Race still an issue at UM-St. Louis

I'm responding to your article in May 3rd's edition of The Current, concerning SGA president-elect Butler. Let me be the first to say that I have personally reaped countless benefits that the University of Missouri-St. Louis has had to offer. Secondly, I did not vote for Butler in this year's election and I believe, after reviewing them, the grievances put forth by vice-president Carrie Mowen are valid and deserved to be heard and reviewed. Now after saying all of this, do I believe that as an African-American female, that there are racial biases involved in this case or that there is racism here at our university? The answer to both questions would be a clear and resounding yes.

Had Butler been white, the minor violation of the election regulations, more than likely would have never been filed. It is my belief that because of his race there were certain parties that have set out to discredit the newly elected SGA president. I am even willing to place a small wager, that SGA presidents of the past have violated the same and other SGA election regulations and have gotten away with it.

The question at hand is that since Butler has been charged with certain violations, should his race be one of the determining factors, in ruling in this case? Of course not. But at the same time, the issue of the racial tension on campus should not be ignored. This situation should be used as a tool to open communications surrounding this topic. The SGA can take this opportunity to do something concerning racism at UM-SL, or shrug their shoulders and take on the philosophy that the university is a reflection of the "real world" and advise African-American students to study hard at UM-SL's Race Relations 101, teaching them how to be complacent in dealing with the harsh racist realities of this society.

-Charmane Malone