Oh Binghamton

"STATEMENT FROM THE STUDENT ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVE BOARD

The Student Association Executive Board at the State University of New York at Binghamton, is steadfast in its commitment to fostering a more inclusive University Campus. This commitment includes but is not limited to fair representation for all students and protection of the inalienable rights of all individuals as guaranteed by local, state and federal laws. In accordance with our constitution, it is the firm belief of the Executive Board that it is the primary obligation of each elected representative within the Student Assembly, to represent the interests of his or her constituents. The fundamentality of this obligation means that representatives must uphold it not just within assembly meetings but within any interaction that relates to the assembly.

On the night of Sunday April 26th, 2009, Ehlad Bar-Shai a Student Assembly representative from Off Campus College and Alice Liou, Student Association Vice President for Finance were in the Student Association office following a Student Association Judicial Board meeting. Bar-Shai, in response to a comment made by Liou about Bar-Shai’s physical appearance, (the comment made by Liou did not refer to Bar Shai’s race or sex), responded with a racial slur towards Liou.

On the night of Monday, April 27th, 2009, directly outside the Student Assembly meeting, Michael Lombardi, a Student Assembly representative from College in the Woods made a racial slur directed at Liou. In response, Liou exchanged a racially motivated slur directed at Lombardi.

The Student Association strongly condemns the actions of Ehlad Bar Shai, Mike Lombardi, and Alice Liou. There is absolutely no place for racism within the Student Association or on this campus. It is regretful that those who were elected to represent students have engaged in this type of activity.

The Student Association must stand up for those whose personal civil rights have been infringed upon. We cannot accept this type of behavior from a select few. Binghamton University prides itself on having a diverse school, with 33% students of color, and over 10% of international students.

While it is recognizable that certain remarks are often made with a close social circle, it is unacceptable that these remarks, especially when they are offensive, are uttered within a public medium such as the Student Assembly. The Student Association cannot demand tolerance within people's private lives but it can demand that the Student Association and the Student Assembly work with the student body to remain tolerant and inclusive of all individuals. The Student Association must do all it can to ensure that students from across campus are free from fear and racial attacks."
While it is wonderful that my SA promotes equality and condemns the use of racial slurs, the question remains of what happens next? Though it is near the end of the academic year, does that mean that nothing will happen? The founder of Buddhism said that "Better than a thousand hollow words, is one word that brings peace"...what is happening to bring about the peace between these individuals?