Nubian Message, Nov. 14, 2019 — It's not okay to be a white supremacist

NUBIANMESSAGE NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY | RALEIGH, NC | THENUBIANMESSAGE.COM | THURSDAY, november 14, 2019

it’s not okay to be a white supremacist

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Letter from the editor Hi Everyone, November has been tough. The Nubian Message newsstands were targeted by a white supremacist group. The group placed “It’s Okay To Be White” flyers and stickers on our stands, and this is not the first time. This has occurred almost every year for the last couple of years.

In previous years, there has been very little response from the university and no consequences for the group. The Nubian Message staff and I are fed up and would like to see a response from the university. In order to get all of the details on this incident, see page three. More reporting will follow as we receive data from NC State.

Following this incident, another event involving hate speech occurred on campus. On Monday, Nov. 11, there was an incident between supporters of Turning Point USA (TPUSA) and those who oppose the presence of TPUSA on campus. While many of the details of the event are still unclear, what is clear is that one of the students involved is now receiving death threats from conservative and alt-right groups. Knowing this, it is more important than ever for Black and Brown students specifically to look out for one another. Don’t let your friends walk home alone and do what you have to do to protect yourself.

To add to the already heightened emotions on campus, TPUSA brought both Lara Trump and Charlie Kirk to campus on Nov. 13. For details and photos from the counter-protest see pages four and five.

After all of these events and emotion-filled nights. Please know that the Nubian Message stands in solidarity with protestors. We also hope that you all are taking care of yourselves and taking mental health days if you need to. Feel free to reach out to us for anything, we will do our best to fulfill your request with the resources we have.

In solidarity, Yesenia Jones

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Racist flyers sweep campus Pictures from Nov. 13 Protest Taking a look at NC State’s ugly history.

We stand with your protests.

cover photo BY david tracey/Staff Photographer Protestors of the Turning Point USA event on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2019 occupy the second floor of Talley Student Union.

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White Supremacist Flyers Sweep Campus Once Again On Nov. 1, flyers with the statement “It’s Okay To Be Kevin Moye White” were placed in Nubian Message Managing Editor and Technician newsstands around campus.

Flyers were reported in the newsstands on the morning of Nov. 1 by the Director of Student Media Advising, Patrick Neal. The flyers were found in multiple newsstands across campus. In response to the flyers being posted, Neal filed an incident report to NC State’s Bias Impact Response Team (BIRT).

Nubian Message contacted the Bias Impact Response Team regarding the BIRT report process and this specific incident, but upon publication no outreach from BIRT has been made.

The university’s Freedom of Speech and Expression Policy often complicates the issue of controversial speech on campus. NC State’s Freedom of Speech and Expression Policy affirms the university’s commitment to tolerating all speech. The policy states: “Academic freedom, free speech and free expression are fundamental to the mission and purposes of NC State University. NC State supports, encourages and upholds the freedom of inquiry for students, faculty and staff, to the end that they may pursue these goals responsibly through teaching, learning, research, discussion and publication without restraints that would unreasonably restrict their academic endeavors.”

While university policy stresses its emphasis on free speech, it does also acknowledge areas of speech that are not protected by the first amendment. According to the NC State Free Speech policy, harassment is seen as an impermissible form of speech. The policy states: “Conduct based on a protected category that is so severe, pervasive and objectively offensive, and that so undermines and detracts from the victim’s educational experience, that the victim is effectively denied equal access to an institution’s resources and opportunities.”

The Nov. 1 incident was not the first time that hate speech has appeared on campus.

Such messaging dates back to 2017 when these flyers were posted across the Stafford Commons, the Free Expression Tunnel and

Elikem Dodor Correspondent

campus newsstands.

Following this event, the university did not release a public statement condemning the actions that had taken place. Chancellor Randy Woodson commented on the issues and expressed his views on the matter.

“There is still a lot of progress that we need to make, and clearly that does not reflect our values, but that is another example that, as a country, we still have work to do,” Woodson said.

Flyers were posted around campus last year as well. The racist leaflets were notably found on the recently renamed Holmes Hall.

Previously known as the University College Commons, the building’s name patrick neal/Student Media was changed in 2018 It’s Okay To Be White flyers posted inside the Nubian Message and Technichian newsstands. to pay homage to NC State’s first Black and 2019 North Carolina was home to 72 year ago to date,” McDowell said. “At the graduate. incidents of extremism or anti-Semitism. end of the article [the university] says that In prior years, the postings of these flyers Twenty-three of those incidents took place they will deal with it in a timely manner -- it were tied to the “white nationalist” group in the Triangle with nine of them occurring has been a year, it is not a timely manner.”

Identity Evropa. The group chooses uniin Raleigh.

McDowell explained why she, as well versity spaces like NC State to spread its The phrase “It’s Okay To Be White” has as many others, find the statement to be message to young people. direct ties to white supremacy. The ADL problematic.

On Nov. 5, 2019, “It’s Okay To Be White” stated that the slogan was started on online “Saying it’s okay to be white is wrong stickers were also spotted on East Tennessee messaging boards but was popularized by within itself,” McDowell said. “There is a State University’s campus. The flyers were the former Grand Wizard of the Ku Klux difference between celebrating your heritage placed all across campus, specifically to Klan, David Duke and members of neo-Na- and celebrating being white. If you want to cover the school’s first African-American zi organizations. celebrate being Russian, Polish, or Scottish memorial. Since 2016, the Anti-Defamation We sat down with Mya McDowell, a first-- that is different because that is cultural.

League (ADL) has reported that there have year studying cellular biology to discuss the Celebrating being white is [celebrating] been 346 incidents of white supremacist impact of these flyers on her experience at white supremacy. ” propaganda on 216 different campuses - in NC State. McDowell expressed her frusIt is unclear whether any action will be 44 different states. Some of these states tration when she was made aware of the taken against this latest iteration of the flyer include California, Connecticut and Oklauniversity’s response through Technician’s postings. As of publication, NC State has yet homa. coverage of the previous occurrence. to release a statement on the matter.

According to the ADL, in the years 2018 “It is irritating because this happened a

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no justice, no peace NC State students organized on Nov. 1, in protest of hate speech and Lara Trump’s presence on campus. Students occupied Talley Student Union, blocked traffic on Cates Avenue and filled Wolf Plaza.

david tracey/Staff Photographer James Daniels (left), a third-year studying middle grades language arts and social studies education, and Hayes Bradley (right), a first-year studying mechanical engineering, discuss politics at the protest of the Turning Point USA event in Talley Student Union on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2019. Both Daniels and Bradley said the conversation was civil and that they respected each other’s differences.

elikem dodor/Nubian Message Protestors created signs to demonstrate their emotions regarding Lara Trump’s presence on campus.

jay Encarnacion-Rivera/Nubian Message Christian Wade and Mikhail Reza lead the procession during the No Hate at NC State Protest on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2019. The No Hate at NC State protest was protesting the Turning Point U.S.A. Culture War event.

jay Encarnacion-Rivera/Nubian Message Hanadi Ibrahim, a third-year majoring in textile technology and Platform model posing, leads some of the chants during the No Hate at NC State Protest on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2019. The No Hate at NC State protest was protesting the Turning Point U.S.A. Culture War event.

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Culture Wars Brings NC State students to a Divide On Nov. 13, Turning Point USA (TPUSA) hosted a lecture Naz Santiago as a part of Correspondent their “Culture Wars” series. The speakers, conservative Charlie Kirk and daughter-in-law of Donald Trump and alumna, Lara Trump, discussed issues that pertain to the economy and government.

The purpose of the conservative organization, TPUSA, is to educate students on the concept of freedom, free markets and restricted government through the conversations of the Culture Wars series.

The night started with introduction videos of Kirk and Trump, as the audience roared, welcoming them to the stage.

Kirk came out first, then introduced Trump as they jumped right ahead to the topic of events.

Trump talked about the impact that her father-in-law has had on the country as president and she shared her frustrations with the media.

“There are so many misconceptions about this president,” Trump said. “It just drives me crazy when people try to misconstrue the reason that he ran for president. I really think he knew he was one of the last hopes we had in this country. If not for Donald Trump, I mean think where we could be, he really saved this country.”

Trump also shared her college experiences to the students and stressed the importance of speaking out on what they believe in.

“You guys are the next generation,” Trump said. “You are who will control this country one day. By standing up and making your voices heard and really speaking your minds and your hearts… You are probably changing people’s minds and encouraging people every single day.”

After Trump left, the event continued with a question and answer session with Kirk.

Questions ranged from stances on homosexuality to worries of Kirk becoming more liberal and forgetting about his conservative background.

Oluwajoba Ogun Staff Writer

His stance on LGBT rights caught some supporters by surprise because of his traditionally conservative views.

“My personal position: I’m a Christian first and foremost, then an American, then a constitutionalist, then a conservative in that order,” Kirk said. “I believe marriage -- biblical and theological -- one man and woman. I also do not believe in sore rhetoric that some people engage in… they saw that there’s no place for gay people in the conservative movement. I do not believe that.--” Someone interrupted him and said, “I thought you were a Christian?”

“Part of being Christian is appropriately interpreting what the theology says for the individual but also means to be longsuffering and patient and loving, and kind,“ he responded.

Many people agreed and it showed their approval by their roaring applause and shouts.

The Q&A’s continued for about twenty minutes as many students asked questions on different political and cultural topics that they felt needed to be addressed.

Kirk answered them as many people through various shouts in agreement.

Hopes Stallings, an audience member and second-year NC State student studying fashion and textile management voiced her opinions on the event.

“I think personally it was a really wellhosted event,” Stallings said. “I think it was both an opportunity for conservative, liberal and independent students to attend. People can come and get educated, people can come and ask questions, people can come and support them. So I think overall NC State did a nice job of inviting them to come and speak.”

Bryson Gray, creator of the MAGA challenge, a social media challenge in which pro-Trump supporters record themselves rapping about the love they have for the president was also in attendance. The viral video creator performed one of his original songs in support of the Trump family and Charlie Kirk.

Though there were many supporters of the event, there was also a massive protest that occurred in opposition to the event.

Students at NC State held a protest in Wolf Plaza to express their displeasure. The protest was a demonstration of intolerance for hate speech on campus.

Sidney Uriarte, a fourth-year, studying civil engineering expressed her reasoning for participating in the protest.

“Through this protest, I think students and myself are here to let the NC State community and everyone else know that we are here and present,” Uriarte said. “That our existence should not be diminished and that being a marginalized community by the oppressor, we have to take a stand against years and years of oppression.”

Many protesters were skeptical about the intentions of the event hosted by TPUSA. Diana Vallejo, a fourth-year studying science technology and society spoke out on the Culture War series.

“I think that it’s all just an excuse to create a platform to let very quiet white supremacists come to reveal themselves,” Vallejo said. “There is no direct structure for their event, it’s a very ambiguous topic, and as the recent events of this week have proven it is not about left versus right -- it’s about race, homophobia, islamophobia.”

Vallejo attempted to convey a message through protest.

“I am trying to convey the message that it is unacceptable to bring hate speech or any type of speech that threatens the safety of any type of student here at NC State,” Vallejo said.

As the protest went on, students took turns speaking to the crowd. They expressed their feelings regarding Lara Trump’s presence on campus and Kirk’s beliefs.

“I want you to understand that this has never been about politics,” Vallejo said.

“This hasn’t been about left versus right.

This is clearly about racism that is still alive on our campus, this is clearly about homophobia that is still on our campus.”

As the Culture War event began, students

marched into the Talley Student Union.

The space was then occupied by protestors for the remainder of the event. According to NC State Faculty, hundreds of students occupied the student union’s lobby. Students carried posters promoting a no hate slogan, this was also included in the main banner for this protest which stated: “No Hate At NC State”.

Chants were recited by protestors that caused a response from TPUSA’s event attendees. Protestors chanted No Hate at NC State among many other chants while TPUSA supporters chanted USA. As tensions rose, students attempted to make their mission clear.

Thomas Jackson, a first-year majoring in horticulture science stated his mission was inspired by the late Heather Heyer. She was a victim of violence during a counterprotest to hate-speech on the campus of the University of Virginia.

“I am from Virginia and as the quote of Heather Heyer says ‘if you are not outraged you’re not paying attention’ is always on my mind at every demonstration and I feel like I am bringing that heavily tonight,” Jackson said. “I am very outraged and I am paying attention, and I think it is very important to always make your presence known in every possible space even when it’s trying to be suppressed.”

Various student groups supported the cause by attending the protest. The groups included the GLBT Community Alliance, Queer and Trans People of Color, Young Democratic Socialist of America at NC State, Youth Fight US Empire, Mi Familia, Feminist, Collective at NC State, Smash Racism Raleigh, People’s Defense Raleigh, NAACP at NC State and many more.

Together, the counter-protest and TPUSA event highlighted the growing gap between conservative identifying students and liberal identifying students.

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A Look Back at NC State’s History of Failing Black Students Recent events at NC State have reaffirmed longstanding race-related issues on campus.

From white supremacist flyers posted on Nubian Message stands proclaiming “It’s Okay to Be White,” to the platform that is being provided for Turning Point USA and their featured speakers Charlie Kirk and Lara Trump. It is obvious that despite the efforts to champion diversity and inclusion that NC State continues to be far from either.

Liya Tewelde Correspondent

Racist Incidents on Campus Racism Emerges at State - Jan. 27,1994

An announcement in the free expression tunnel of “Showtime at the Apollo,” a Black celebration was graffitied over with racist rhetoric. “Another Jigaboo Jam” and “KKK Sponsered” were written over the announcement. In response, Black student leaders addressed the culture of silence surrounding racism on campus.

Racism Still Exists - Nov. 17, 1994

In Nov. 1994, two Black students were the victims of a racist attack. While walking to Sullivan Residence Hall, they were hit with balloons filled with shaving cream, cologne and water thrown from a suite in Bragaw Residence Hall. During the incident, the two students were told to “go home niggers.”

Screenshot Scandal Escalates Racial Tension at NC State - Sep. 28, 2016

Screenshots from a GroupMe chat were released to the public, exposing racist rhetoric used by students in response to Black Lives Matter protests. Posts in the chat entitled, “Sullivan Squad,” included: “Bruh we in the private chat you can call a nig a nig it ain’t racist if it’s true…” and “so the monkey exhibit got let out.” Chancellor Randy Woodson issued a video response, which was widely seen as disappointing and dismissive, stating that although the messages weren’t condoned, “the University cannot punish students for hurtful and offensive comments.”

White supremacist flyers surface around campus - Nov. 11, 2016

Just a day after the 2016 election, flyers reading “The Media Will Call This Hate.

Why? Because They Hate White People” and “#WHITEGENOCIDE” were posted

on bulletin boards around campus and in a Nubian Message newsstand. In an editorial published following the posting of these flyers, Nubian Message staff responded by stating that “we will not stop writing, speaking out our thoughts, or pursuing our education” in the face of blatant racism on campus.

Low Diversity and Representation on Campus A Pale Campus - Sept. 14, 2000

3,757 students made up the freshmen class of fall 2000. Of those students, only 435 were Black. Black students at NC State made up 9.5 percent of the total student population, yet the graduation rate of these students hadn’t reached over 7.0 percent between the years of 1995 and 1999.

Inside AASAC’s Report Card - Jan.31, 2002

The African American Student Advisory Council released a report card grading NC State in the effectiveness in addressing student concerns regarding four categories including: enrollment of African-American freshman, the Chancellor’s Leadership Award, African American Graduation Rates, and African American Faculty. If the University was given a GPA for these grades, it would be a 1.0.

Black Acceptance Rate Declines - Oct. 16, 2013

The fall 2013 semester had an acceptance of only 20 percent of Black students that applied. This percentage paled in comparison to the 53 percent of white, 59.3 percent of Asian, and 35 percent of Hispanic applicants who were admitted that same semester. The total Black student body population was also notably low at 6.8 percent compared to 9.8 percent ten years prior.

Representation and Diversity in NC State Faculty - Feb. 28, 2018

The National Center for Educational Statistics reported that as of 2016, Black undergraduate and graduate students made up only 6 percent of NC State’s 33,755 student body population. The same report stated that of the 1,380 full time professors that were tenured, only 3 percent of men and 5.5 percent of women identified as Black. Feelings of underrepresentation and the negative consequences that can stem

from it were expressed by both students and faculty.

Study Reveals State “Failing” in Diversity - Oct. 11, 2018

The University of Southern California Race and Equity Center published a report card using Black student demographics to analyze the following categories: representation equity, gender equity, completion equity and black student-toblack faculty ratio. NC State scored an F in representation equity, putting the University at a 2.75 grade point average.

Lack of Action From NC State Administration Town Hall Offers Little Healing to Students of Color - Oct. 24, 2016

Following the GroupMe screenshot scandal, Student Government held a Racial Climate Town Hall to discuss issues of race relations on campus. Many students were disappointed by the behavior of Chancellor

Randy Woodson, with one student calling him out saying “You haven’t looked at any one of the black students who have spoken about their experiences.”

DEW: Where It At? - Oct. 30, 2019

The absence of Diversity Education Week, normally taking place in October, was notable this year in the aftermath of issues regarding race and gender on campus. This week typically highlights the importance of diversity and inclusion on campus, but October passed without a statement or apology issued by NC State administration.

While NC State attempts to present an image of inclusivity and diversity, it is evident that we have not progressed as far as we should have. The same race-related issues and sentiments faced by students over 20 years ago parallel those of students today.

This begs the question, what is NC State actually doing to protect Black students?

opinion

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AN Open Letter to the NC State Community Nubian message staff editorial

The Nubian Message unequivocally stands with the protestors and justice advocates of NC State University.

We are proud of those in the NC State community that stood up against the hatred that made its way to our campus.

Since the founding of our organization, Nubian Message has maintained a clear position in aligning with students who advocate for justice. Twenty-seven years ago, it was the protests and demonstrations of Black

“Since the founding of our organization, Nubian Message has maintained a clear position in aligning with students who advocate for justice.

Twenty-seven years ago, it was the protests and demonstrations of Black students that led to our paper’s creation.” students that led to our paper’s creation. We recognize the importance and the power of protest when it comes to inspiring change on campus.

November has been a difficult month for the NC State community with the postings of white supremacist propaganda across campus and the arrival of known bigots, Charlie Kirk and Lara Trump.

But in these dark times, we have seen the campus community come together in truly moving ways.

Through the Culture Wars event, we saw the NC State community come together in a powerful demonstration against intolerance and bigotry. Protestors filled Talley Student Union in an inspiring display of solidarity. Your chants of “No hate at NC State” are warmly embraced.

The voices of the graduate students that rallied to bring an end to their student fees in protest of graduate student working conditions are acknowledged. We fully support your efforts in demanding better treatment from the university for some of the most vital members of the NC State community.

And to the No Hate at NC State Coalition members that were wrongfully accused of assault, you have our support. We appreciate your work in fighting against the toxic voices that wish to spread their hateful messages.

While it may seem tiring and sometimes even fruitless, we must continue to fight for what we believe is just. With 2020 being right ahead of us, it is crucial that we keep this same energy going into what is sure to be a turbulent year.

The year is sure to bring more events such as the Culture War and perhaps even more vile speakers along with it.

Even more importantly, it is up to us to continue to carry the fighting spirits we have demonstrated at NC State beyond our university years. The fight for justice is not something that can be constrained to our short time at undergrad; the fight for justice is a never-ending endeavor with far too much at stake to give up.

To continue to make a difference we must ensure that our voices are heard. This means continuing to organize protests against those that wish to stifle our voices and revert back to times that disenfranchised so many of us.

This also means engaging in politics to attain the policies which we advocate for. With one of the most important elections in modern American history being just a year away, it is vital that we engage in voter registration drives.

Not only must we participate in national politics, but we should also get involved in the sphere that perhaps impacts us the most: state and local elections. The Republican grip on our state has done incredible amounts of harm to North Carolina.

Being at NC State, we play pivotal roles in influencing local politics here in Raleigh. With our continued input into local politics, we can help strive to make Raleigh a more accepting city for all people.

Continue to fight for what is right in our community and whenever you do, remember that the Nubian staff will always have your back in the fight for justice.

“Continue to fight for what is right in our community and whenever you do, remember that the Nubian staff will always have your back in the fight for justice.”