A Response to the Presidential Debate

The presidential debate on Tuesday, Sep 29 stood in a long line of refusals from our politicians to condemn and disavow white supremacists and racially motivated violence. These refusals enable groups such as the Proud Boys and other militant right-wing organizations to engage in acts of violence without fear of consequence. In addition, by failing to commit to a peaceful transition of political power, President Donald Trump gives his supporters license to engage in further violence if he loses the election. 

In response to President Trump’s position, The Hill News’ editorial board stands opposed to Trump and all others who fail to condemn violence and racism. We call upon all those who hold political positions to condemn violence and racism and commit to a peaceful transfer of power.

The fact that this discussion is necessary highlights the system of racism this country is built on. There needs to be institutional change across the board moving forward. It should not have to be debated that there is deadly racism in this country. But while the problem is a systemic one, change must occur on both individual and systemic levels. 

Reflecting on your positionality is essential to addressing the bias and social effects of racism in this country. It is not up to people in BIPOC communities to educate their white peers or elaborate on their experiences. To say “I am not individually responsible for the actions of my ancestors” or “ not all white people are racist” invalidates the struggles of millions of Americans, whose discrimination you have unquestioningly benefited from (whether you did it intentionally or not). 

It is not a coincidence that upper-middle-class white students inhabit the majority of private colleges like St. Lawrence, or that they are overrepresented in student government and college newspapers. The Hill News is no exception to this pattern, and we encourage all student voices to contribute to our university’s narrative. 

We as The Hill News editorial board acknowledge our privilege in writing this. We encourage all students on this campus to take the time to reflect on their privilege being at a predominantly white institution and uplift the voices of your fellow students who do not have this privilege. 

If you are aware of oppressive racist systems in this country and university but are unsure of how to support your peers, we have provided our recommendations for some simple but effective ways to fight racism. 

Recommendations:

1. Donate or get involved with Black Lives Matter at blacklivesmatter.com or the Black Visions Collective at blackvisionsmn.org.
2. Encourage diversity of thought, but call out racism and violence among your peers.  Start discussions to recognize the way your actions and positions affect others.
3. Sign petitions and call your local officials and representatives to demand change.
4. Make room for the voices of minority students in student government, press, and classes. Question dominant belief systems and be open to structural changes that don’t benefit you if you are white.
5. Register to vote and participate in this year’s elections! Today, October 9th, is the last day to register to vote.  You can register to vote in New York at www.ny.gov/services/register-vote.
6. Participate in campus discussions and movements to address racism on campus!  Groups such as the Black Laurentian Initiative, Black Students Union, Men in Color and the Carefree Black Girls have been part of movements to recognize the division on campus.