By now, most of us have had a chance to react to the news of the situation involving Deantrious Mitchell.

And, chances are these reactions are varied in scope: outrage, indifference, confusion, etc. One reaction that I know is shared by many is relief in knowing that this crime did not take place as first reported.

However, the LGBTA Alliance Executive Council here at Iowa State would like to take a moment to ask the members of the Ames and ISU community to consider a few things before letting this incident just pass away:

Reflect on the point that when we did see this event as having happened, although horrible in nature, it was not inconceivable that it could take place here on campus.

There are still very real and very recent examples of students being subjected to emotional and physical harm stemming from racist, sexist, and homophobic views. For example, the situation involving Daily staff writer Tracy Call and her dealings with the readers of her article on a lesbian couple.

Every day hundreds of situations that stem from racist, sexist, and homophobic stances go on, most unreported.

Now, we don’t want to come across in a totally negative manner. Yes, it is true that these incidents do happen. However, as a community we can step off of these past events with a good foot.

We can continue to raise awareness within ourselves and build awareness in others through communicating about the issues and struggles faced and felt that result from being a member of a diverse community such as ours. We can come to learn about how, as people we experience things differently and, we can also come to learn how we as people experience things the same.

It all comes down to taking the time to communicate and having a willingness to build coalitions with others. Being on a college campus we have the wonderful opportunity to challenge ourselves and expand our horizons in ways that may not arise in ‘the real world’. Take advantage of these opportunities and learn all that you can about that great diversity that constitutes our world. Once we have opened our minds to the endless array of possibilities surrounding us here, only good can come of it.

Motoko L. Maegawa

Senior

Elementary Education