Anyone who doesn't think Wittenberg has a tolerance problem clearly doesn't get out much.
In fact, I often don't even have to leave my house to face these issues. Within my own groups of friends, I constantly find hints of homophobia, sexism, and, racism. Comments like "nobody likes him; let's face it, it's because he's the black guy" and "that's why we shouldn't vote for a black president" have been uttered in my presence, and, unfortunately, I did nothing to correct this ignorance. In my efforts to preserve a stable atmosphere, I bit my tongue and looked the other way.
In my 5 semesters at Wittenberg, diversity is the one thing that I've noticed that Witt doesn't do so well. African-American and international students on campus seem to band together, without much notice from other sections of the Witt community.
Moreover, Wittenberg has a negative view of the Springfield community, creating animosity between the city and the university. Why should Witt students have the right to complain about so-called "townies" at the bar? They were here in Springfield long before most students, and I'm sure many local residents will remain here long after any student's four- or five-year tenure at Witt.
So when I first heard about the racial message that was left on an African-American student's door last Monday, I can't say I was surprised. The general message that Witt students seem to promote is that being different from the majority (which somehow always amounts to upper- and middle-class heterosexual Caucasian people, even in the middle of Springfield, OH), you aren't welcome at Witt. And I'm willing to bet the "townies" weren't surprised, either. Most were probably upset, but I feel that this behavior is what the Springfield community has come to expect from Wittenberg.
So, in closing, I'm not happy with this reputation that Wittenberg has as an intolerant community. And from now on, biting my tongue won't be an option.
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