I would just like to point out that I, as the only white student involved in organizing the Students of Color Speak Out, was quoted several times in the Barometer article covering the event. My co-organizers, both students of color, were not quoted. But white privilege isn’t real, it must just be that I have more to say about the experiences of students of color than students of color themselves (sarcasm).

In addition, my words were taken out of context and used to make it seem like I was commending white people for showing up and listening. Let me just be clear, students of color are the ones to be commended for having the courage to share their story in the face of pure ignorance (of which they are not responsible for alleviating) and hate.

Lastly, in the words of George Takei, “Let me try to clear something up. ‘Freedom of speech’ does not mean you get to say whatever you want without consequences. It simply means the government can’t stop you from saying it. It also means OTHERS get to say what THEY think about your words. So if someone makes an a** of himself, don’t cry ‘freedom of speech’ when others condemn him. It only highlights your general ignorance.”

Jesseanne Pope

OSU Student