Editor,
Jay Tillman and I would like to respond to the letter written by Daily Lobo reader Brandon Curtis. His analogy of comments made by Tillman and myself about the return of Sigma Chi to the UNM community was taken out of context - this is not the issue, anyway. Tillman and I have a difference of opinion concerning the return of the fraternity; however, our issue is not with the UNM chapter of Sigma Chi, but with the culture of Sigma Chi as a national organization. This fraternity has a very long and deeply rooted history of racism, sexism, homophobia and acts of violence against women.
In September 2003, the Duke University chapter of Sigma Chi held a party in which the fliers were made to look like expired green cards, T-shirts were handed out with a picture depicting a drunken Mexican and a mock border patrol checkpoint was set up. This party was held three days before Mexican Independence Day. This is one of the many things you can find out just by searching "Sigma Chi, racism" on Google.
Whereas Curtis has tried to make this a black vs. white issue, we feel that this is a UNM community issue.
We are offended at Curtis' attempt to minimize the actions of former members of the UNM chapter of Sigma Chi when he states, "Duct taping a swastika onto a car of an African-American woman who was illegally parked on the frat's property was stupid."
Let's get the story straight: members didn't just tape a swastika to her car, they left a hate-filled letter on her windshield, too. Do you truly believe that was an act of stupidity? Stupid would have been to let the air out of all four of her tires. Taping a swastika on someone's car is a hate crime. That action should be considered offensive to every member of the UNM community. Wouldn't it have been easier just to call a tow truck and have the vehicle removed from the fraternity's property?
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We would like it to be known that we do not hold new members of Sigma Chi responsible for the actions of former fraternity members. We do ask that you understand that the hurt inflicted on the UNM community in 2000 was deeply felt and will take a long time to heal. This sentiment was stressed when we met last week with John Dicks, a representative from Sigma Chi's national office. In that meeting, African-American students, staff, faculty and community members spoke openly and respectfully about what can be done to bring our communities together. All who were in attendance agreed that there was no instant solution for this issue, but as long as we continue to work and move toward understanding, the healing process can begin.
Finally, Curtis had a busy day dusting off the U.S. Constitution and reminding us about our Fifth Amendment rights. Unfortunately for Curtis, the Fifth Amendment had nothing to do with anything said by Tillman or me. The Fifth Amendment is about self-incrimination and due process. Next time Curtis cruises through the U.S. Constitution, he should stop and read the First Amendment and be happy at the fact that he, Tillman and I have the right to speak in a public forum and have a difference of opinion.
F. Michelle Touson
President
Black Graduate and Professional Students Association
Jay Tillman
Co-chairperson
Black Student Union
ASUNM senator
