Stop hate crimes
A string of hate crimes that has recently plagued Chico State culminated on Feb. 28. Two students returned to their car, parked near Nettleton Stadium after a basketball game, to find their tires flattened and racial slurs spray painted on the vehicle.
For information on the arrest of two suspects in connection with the hate crimes, see Scott Jason's story on A-1.
As students, we need to work together to eliminate misunderstandings and hatred based on ignorance. A step in the right direction is getting to know people who are different from you.
When groups put on events, like the Women's Center's anti-hate rally that was held on Tuesday, we should attend to show our support for diversity.
We should encourage the campus to sponsor more events that bring all of us together to celebrate diversity. Events that celebrate Black History Month, Cesar Chavez Day and women's history would be a good start.
We have to go beyond words like tolerance. Tolerating something means that we allow it to exist, not that we embrace it or accept it. We have to move into action to dispel myths about culture and race.
There has to be a change in mind set. We can't say, "Gee, people shouldn't spray paint 'coon' on someone's car," but then turn around and do nothing about it.
We have to band together and let racists know they are not welcome at Chico State. If someone says something racist, or sexist or anti-Semitic, don't just laugh and go along with it to avoid making waves.
Everyone knows we are all equal under the U.S. Constitution. We all have the same rights and responsibilities as everyone else.
We have the right to express ourselves under the First Amendment, but we do not have the right to cause other people harm or to destroy their property.
Whether someone is black, white, man, woman, Chinese, Indian, Christian, Jew, Muslim or atheist, they are people first -- people with collective experiences that we can learn from.
Hatred based on ignorance disappears when those involved realize they are hating people and not just a representation of "the other."
Have a safe
St. Patrick's Day
Many people head home during spring break, but some are planning to stay in Chico or are coming back so they can party on March 17.
Increased police presence and increased alcohol consumption can create a higher risk of getting arrested for doing something stupid or being drunk in public.
Use common sense. If you are going to drink all day, eat something and drink plenty of water. You can have fun without ending up in the gutter or the drunk tank at the end of the evening.
Try to pace yourself so you can enjoy the rest of spring break without having to tell your parents you got arrested.
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