Election Results Trigger Racial Tensions At Baylor University

Election Results Trigger Racial Tensions At Baylor University

It didn’t take long after America elected its first African American president for racial tensions to ignite. At Baylor University, the election led to verbal altercations on campus last night.
 

To Obama supporters, one guy taunted “You’re in Texas and y’alls vote didn’t count because Texas still voted McCain.” He really showed them, I’m sure. But the jabs soon escalated.
 

One African American woman says she overheard some white males talking about how they were going to beat up the next black person that walked by. Other students claim someone hung a noose on campus and burned Obama political signs. Fortunately, though, none of these confrontations seemed to come to violence.
 

The whole thing kind of puts a damper on the “Change has come to America” thing Obama had going on. Especially when there are commenters out there still writing things like “obama should not be president…….he is muslin….” Change? Not in Texas at least.

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Anonymous
as a former baylor student, i have to say that i am extremely disappointed in the students at baylor who participated in this. youre supposed to be educated people. seriously grow up, what year do you live in?!? Posted 11/05/2008 12:44 PMReply
Anonymous
I have a month and a half to go before I graduate from Baylor and I have to say that I have never been more ashamed of going to a supposedly christian university in my life. Im ashamed of the administration for overlooking overt racism and ashamed of the group of so-called Christians that smile in your face and spout racial slurs when in the company of their friends and family. Baylor University is a joke and I honestly believe if Jesus himself returned on this day, about 80% of the faculty, staff and student body would spend eternity in the pits of Hell. Posted 11/05/2008 1:12 PMReply
Anonymous
baylor is anything but a christian univserity these days Posted 11/05/2008 1:20 PMReply
Anonymous
Can Baylor Law School just secede from Baylor University? Another undergraduate embarrassment to add to the list this year... Posted 11/05/2008 2:40 PMReply
Anonymous
as a current freshman at baylor i was excited to vote for the first time. the next day i am truly disappointed at the way fellow peers are behaving with ignorance and hatred...it's shows some people's true colors and sadly it is creating another stereotype for baylor students. These students are hypocrites and it is sad that racism still exists! Posted 11/05/2008 2:42 PMReply
Anonymous
As a recent transfer, I honestly expected so much more from Baylor University. However, only God will judge and the best thing we can do is set a positive example by not mirroring the ugliness on both sides. Posted 11/05/2008 2:53 PMReply
Anonymous
As a former Baylor student...who has since moved out of texas to more "southern states" this news shocks and greatly disapoints me. I always thought Baylor was above that and believed that it was one school that really accepted all kinds of backgrounds and people... i found this news out from several friends, and its very sad. Posted 11/05/2008 3:12 PMReply
Anonymous
Come on, people. We can do better than this. Christianity is about valuing each other and unity. Everyone brings different gifts to the party, and everyone matters. That's what the gospel teaches and what we're supposed to live. Posted 11/05/2008 3:28 PMReply
Anonymous
This is very disappointing and I am ashamed of the actions of these students. While I am not completely surprised, I would expect more from a group of students at Baylor, where we pride ourselves on our Christian values. Posted 11/05/2008 4:34 PMReply
Anonymous
it's the south. of course they're racist. southerners are inherently racist and toothless. Posted 11/05/2008 4:59 PMReply
Anonymous
WOW. When I heard this news, I was in disbelief. To think that we are the largest Baptist school in the nation and this is what we are doing to show it! As a recent alum, it is truly disheartening, unfortunate and heartbreaking that something like this has to happen. It is my hope and my prayer that one day will Baylor will be united and represent Christianity in a good way...Hopefully Baylor will have an African America president one day. But more importantly hopefully Baylor will understand that God is loving, we are created equal and value each individual in our world today. Posted 11/05/2008 5:22 PMReply
Anonymous
There is no excuse for these reported remarks and actions nor is there an excuse for the racism demonstrated, for example, at Obama's former Trinity United Church of Christ. Jesus Christ brings a bond that goes way beyond skin color!@ Anonymous: Posted 11/05/2008 5:39 PMReply
Anonymous
I'm very glad I didn't choose to go to a college with such close-minded students. And how many times must Obama express that he is not Muslim? Not that there is any problem with being one, of course. And I'd like to add that I'm going to a Catholic school, but I am in no way, shape, or form a Catholic and never will be. Posted 11/05/2008 6:15 PMReply
Anonymous
Whoever said that everyone in the south is racist and toothless needs to get over themselves because I am from Texas and neither of those applies to me. I personally voted for McCain but it had nothing to do with race so people need to just grow up!! Not everyone that didn't vote for Obama is a racist!!!!!!!!!! Posted 11/05/2008 6:22 PMReply
Anonymous
Words can't describe how I feel about this. I'm deeply saddened and ashamed that I share this university with those involved. I have just as many black friends as I do white friends here and I can't imagine such outdated and close-minded behavior causing a rift in our friendship. I'm white and I voted for Obama and do not regret that decision in the slightest but had McCain won I would still support him because when it's all said and done the winner IS our president. Know I know that if it happened here, where I have felt safe from the outside world for the past 3 years, it can happen anywhere! Pray for change! Posted 11/05/2008 6:31 PMReply
Anonymous
Please don't think that we at Baylor are all like this! I am proud of my southern heritage but will NEVER give in to racism! There are good people here and it's just unfortunate that a small group of people can stain us all.... Posted 11/05/2008 6:33 PMReply
Anonymous
@ Anonymous: Talk about narrow minded and racist! Posted 11/05/2008 6:41 PMReply
Anonymous
Clearly these stupid kids are blowing Mommy & Daddy's education money and not paying attention in class. If they had learned ANYTHING about Jesus in their shallow lives, it wouldn't have been a message of hate, racism, intolerance, disrespect, and condemnation. Karma will get the best of them when they move on into the real world and have to deal with truly educated, intelligent people. So sad. Posted 11/05/2008 7:25 PMReply
Anonymous
Honestly it’s extremely unfortunate....but we know its not everyone. It’s just that sometimes when you walk around campus and no one speaks, it makes you paranoid as to who feels what towards you. Getting ready for school today made me so sad to think of all the dirty looks I might receive on my way to class. When I arrived in class the people who normally spoke had not one word to say. So, even though many individuals may not be racist there is a gap between us where neither race makes an attempt to be friendly. Black students cannot always tell the racist from the nonracist when no one acts any differently. When I first came to school here the floor of my dorm used to make weekly outings...but I was never invited. At first it was disheartening, then maddening, which causes bitterness that has taken me a few years to undo. I overheard some caucasian students saying today how they were horrified that racism still exists outside of rare occasions. I needed to hear that. If you don’t agree with the events that have taken place then please let one of us know...it honestly will make that person feel better (whether they admit it or not). For those who are racist, if you would do your research and turn to CNN for a min. you would see that if all the Blacks and Latinos in America had voted for Obama, it still would not have been enough. Do not blame us for change...blame the people who are TRULY individuals not threatened by change and the snowball effect of progress. Posted 11/05/2008 8:12 PMReply
Anonymous
i am not even a student at Baylor but i do visit from time to time, and for this to still be going on in 2008 in the middle of one of the biggest historical times ever is outrageous. i have friends and family that attend that University and i actually fear their safety...but if these things continue, i can see these acts getting out of hand, especially if the people that can do something about it(Baylor administration) don't stand up for what is right. Posted 11/05/2008 8:26 PMReply
Anonymous
If anyone is surprised by this, they have been blinded by Baylor's "christian" cloak... Baylor is filled with those (typically white students) who feel superior to others (which encompasses racial elements) and is an environment that hosts snobbery and racism. Posted 11/05/2008 9:45 PMReply
Anonymous
As a Baylor alum and a minority who dealt with racism first hand on campus and in Waco this does not surprise me. Sad but true. Posted 11/05/2008 9:46 PMReply
Anonymous
In speaking to a number of people (alum, current students, minority and not) that are in disbelief that this occurred at Baylor University I have a few statements to make.

Students wake up, racism is happening and has happened at Baylor for years. I can speak to that from experience. Start and continue civilized dialogue across the racial divides as Jesus did and speak love to one another.
Posted 11/05/2008 10:43 PMReply
Anonymous
What do you expect, Obama is the one that asked "Am I black enough" He's the one that made this a "Black thing" I'm not racist, I'm 42 and anyone my age has had the same opportunities as me. In fact better because I didn't get financial help from a race oriented organization to go to school, I busted my rear working fulltime and went to school at the same time. It's sad when a black person walks to the front of a line at a restaurant and when told by others in line where the end is, he replies "I don't have to listen to you bitch my man is in office now." The ladies husband lifted the guy off the ground and told him to apologize to his wife. He apologized as he peed his pants. I don't understand why blacks had to make this a black issue.
Whites aren't the only racists. God Bless us ALL!!!
Posted 11/05/2008 11:37 PMReply
Anonymous
A woman overheard something about beating up a black person, someon thinks they saw a noose or a burning sign. Where are the facts, names, police reports. Have any of these incidents actually been confirmed or is this someone trying to make something out of nothing for a story? Posted 11/05/2008 11:53 PMReply
Anonymous
Thankyou, I'm 2nd generation of Polish decent(white).I treat everyone the same and I've seen racism in all colors. I hate to say it but I've been treated rude in racist ways only by blacks. I also heard the statement by Obama about asking a crowd if he was black enough. That bothered me. What happened to the issues? He never said what he would change or how. How could I vote for a racist? I didn't. What a shame someone so closed minded has been elected. Posted 11/06/2008 12:04 AMReply
Anonymous
This seems a little over blown by the media.
1. Yes, Obama signs were burned, but I don't see this as racism but more a political move against Democrats. The burning of signs wouldn't have even made the news if it was a white candidate.
2. A car of sore winners felt the need to take a jab at some white students who were already irritated with the results (as a majority of Texans were). Those students screamed words like "socialist" at the car so they stopped and the situation escalated.
Posted 11/06/2008 08:41 AMReply
Anonymous
@ Anonymous: @ Anonymous: No kidding Where are the facts here. Sounds like BS to me. Posted 11/06/2008 09:59 AMReply
Anonymous
Blacks ore the real racist! Posted 11/06/2008 10:00 AMReply
Anonymous
How can people even be sure it was a Baylor student that did this? I mean, seriously people!!! I can't imagine anyone being stupid enough to hang a noose from a tree in their own yard but I'd guess they still want the world to know what they think of the election results (and in my opinion, how pathetically stupid and juvenile they are)! With that thought in mind, where better to display such a horrific demonstration of hatred than on a big-name, Christian college campus such as Baylor? My daughter is a freshman at Baylor and she's livid that someone would do such a thing. Having been on campus several times myself, I know how easy it would be for any random individual to do this and naturally, given the location, people will naturally assume it was a Baylor student that was responsible. Fortunately, for those of us that have seen the original movie, "Bad New Bears," know, understand and appreciate the importance of why one should never assume (because it makes an "ass" out of "u" and "me!" Nuff said!!! Posted 11/06/2008 11:05 AMReply
Anonymous
Baylor grad '06

Honestly, if you think this is an isolated case and that Baylor has somehow dropped the ball, then you need to get out more. This crap is happening everywhere. While i dont agree with it (obviously) you're naive to think that college kids are going to be rational in the wake of a major national event. I can almost guarantee that whatever venue you visit daily (grad school, work, the grocery store, etc.) you are going to encounter an idiot from either side pissed off about something. You cant blame Baylor just like you cant blame the postal service when someone comes and shoots up the place. Get over it, bad decisions are made everywhere, everyday.
Posted 11/06/2008 12:58 PMReply
Anonymous
Americans are the laughing stock right about now...If people would look into who they are voting for instead of their color...They would know that Barak Obama is a Islamic Muslim as proved on his student records, and the one he chose name Rahm Emanuel is of Israeli descent and Jewish...His brothers are Eziekel and Ari. Has anyone ever heard of the end? Anti-Christ? Not saying they are by no means, but they are "certainly" not God and african americans need to stop worshipping him like he is and wake up from being the deceived! I suppose they didn't know his middle name is Hussein??? How stupid can you get? Lord forgive me, but it is sad to see the ignorance...My prayers are with the reprobated minds and this country...May God Bless... Posted 11/06/2008 2:02 PMReply
Anonymous
As a current Baylor student I am beyond disappointed in the actions of a few of my fellow students. However, I am more disappointed in the fact that other students and alums have the audacity to criticize the university as a whole. Not everyone at Baylor is racist, not everyone at Baylor is rich, and not everyone at Baylor is Republican. It is the differences between us that should unite us. The incidents that took place on campus are astounding and embarrassing but, discrimination goes both ways. Am I a racist because I go to Baylor? Absolutely not. Did I vote for Obama? NO. Will I pray for him to lead the country? YES. Have I been discriminated against in the election? YES. Do I think its fair for some alums and a few bad students to devalue my education? NO. I am a true Baylor student. I value my education and my faith. I am involved on campus. I know what the true sprit of this school is. I do not sling insults at my university because, despite Baylor's many missteps this semester, I am still proud to be attending such a good school. Incidences of racism and discrimination have been running rampant since the election ended so to consider, for one minute, that this is simply a Baylor problem is naive and stupid. If you were in Waco on Tuesday night you know it wasn't just Baylor students causing uproar. There were Wacoan Obama supporters cheering and yelling with signs on the streets outside of my house. There were masses of people lining Valley Mills (a main road through Waco) yelling for Obama. Quite frankly, I was frightened for MY safety. Does that make me apart of the 80% of the Baylor population who will "spend eternity in the pits of Hell"? Or I guess maybe that just makes me a snob? Please don't let a few hateful students and bitter alums sway your opinion of Baylor. Posted 11/06/2008 2:38 PMReply
Anonymous
If you all just stop talking about it and let it go it would be much less of a deal!!! All you guys are doing is making it worse and drawing more attention to it. The person that the students voted for, for their first time obviously did not get elected and their emotions got the best of them and they overreacted. It is totally uncalled for and i am also ashamed but just let it gooooo Posted 11/06/2008 3:48 PMReply
Anonymous
ok I'm living on Baylor campus... i'm white and i live in the athletic apartments (a lot of athletes are black) and i haven't seen any violence or tension. i honestly wouldn't have known if i didn't read the newspaper

the original post didn't give the side of the story of the mccain supporters. way to be biased. if you want the real story look up the nov. 5 issue of the baylor newspaper. this guy doesn't know what he's talking about.

and look this stuff is happening in places besides baylor so get off our nuts
Posted 11/06/2008 4:14 PMReply
Anonymous
I really think these insignificant events initiated by a few people do not represent in any way the attitude on campus, and I have yet to see or hear about any "tension" between people other than this.
Let's not blow this out of proportion because we're looking for a story...
Posted 11/06/2008 7:50 PMReply
Anonymous
What's funny is that it wasn't even a noose! One person said it was a noose but everyone else knows it's just a rope. The Lariat and administration is believing one person's lies just because he wants to blame everyone else for discrimination in his life. I think it's really sad that the lie has stretched this far & I think everyone's going too far with the situation. A rope does not symbolize a "blatant racial slur". Posted 11/06/2008 8:56 PMReply
Anonymous
I'm a junior journalism major at Baylor, and therefore have been very involved with this story. That said, I completely agree that this is not at all representative of the school. I also believe that hearsay is not always the most accurate of information. Stories tend to be embellished with every retelling (someone recently called in with concerns because they had heard that students were burning crosses which is not at all true). In other words, don't report something if it can't be validated--that includes speculation and generalizations. While it's incredibly important for Baylor to address this incident, it is also important to note that it was isolated. It's also ignorant and offensive to define a university by the actions of only a handful of the 14 thousand+ students. Posted 11/07/2008 2:24 PMReply
Anonymous
I am a black female '05 graduate of Baylor. When I heard this on CNN, I have to say, I wasn't very surprised. While blatantly racist behaviors may be extremely isolated events (I, personally, never experienced anything related to my race), episodes of intolerance are not. A number of my friends were told they were going to hell because they were Catholic. I recently read about an incident where a student who converted to Judaism found a swastika painted on his door. A friend of mine was in a class where the students AND professor openly bashed homosexuality. Imagine their surprise when he came out to them. On Sunday afternoons, students who showed up in the dining halls in "non-church" attire were stared at and--dare I say?--shunned. In many of my senior level classes, I was the only female. I was called "doll face," and you wouldn't believe the amount of eye-rolling going on during talks about the glass ceiling. It was like the 1950s! So let's not focus on the race issues; they are merely a symptom. I hope students, faculty, staff, and alumni use this historical time of change as an opportunity to promote the same changes in our Baylor "bubble." Posted 11/08/2008 5:05 PMReply
Anonymous
@ Anonymous: Not racist? REALLY? Posted 11/10/2008 3:34 PMReply
Anonymous
@ Anonymous: To Anonymous 11.6.2008 @ 2:02......Are you a college student? How on earth did you ever get in with such ignorance? Thank goodness you are the minority. shut up and drink your beer. Posted 11/10/2008 3:38 PMReply
Anonymous
@ Anonymous: ur a ****ing nut.....no one made this a race but the white man.......it is always the case..... Posted 11/10/2008 5:43 PMReply
Anonymous
@anonymous: To Anonymous 11.6.2008 @ 2:02....You can't be serious. So now a persons name regulates whether they should be elected or not....what ever happened to freedom of religion. If he is muslim, so what? I don't even know that you notice what you said is discrimination. I also believe that its the other way around...Mccain said nothing appealing for the middle class and the only people I can even see voting for him were the people who make over 250,000 a year...other than that you guys had to be voting against race because you think that the 'black' people are going to take over...trust me....thats not on our minds. Also, if every black person in America voted for Obama that would not have been enough to get him over the hump. Posted 11/11/2008 12:58 PMReply
Anonymous
@ Anonymous: it was a noose....they keep downplaying it so that everyone we forget about it. it is a issue that needs to be adressed and not swept up under the rug. Posted 11/17/2008 8:47 PMReply

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