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Thursday, October 18, 2012

Mercer University Students Rally Against 'White History Month' Fliers

Anonymous fliers were posted around the campus of Mercer University on Monday, calling for a White History Month in November and December. 

Why two months? The flier noted, "Since there is too much white history to squeeze into one month, we will settle for two." University President Bill Underwood described the fliers as demeaning "efforts to promote education about people of diverse races and cultures and their contributions to our society." "We should always endeavor to rise above the thoughtless rancor that characterizes so much of our public dialogue today," he added. 

Students rallied the next night to support diversity and solidarity against the fliers.  

Although this is not the racist first incident on Mercer's campus, the administration will not be conducting an investigation. Professor Chester Fontenot, Director of African American Studies, said, in the past, a sign for a Society of Black Engineers was altered, changing 'Black' to the n-word. "It was really a kind of deep sadness, that in 2012, we still have people who are not just stuck in the past, but stuck on stupid so to speak," Fontenot added. 

More here.