K-State makes a statement by suspending classes for rally against hate

It was a great decision by Kansas State University president Richard Myers to suspend classes for two hours Friday afternoon so students and staff could attend an anti-hate rally on campus.

Too many incidents have occurred on the Manhattan campus recently — not counting the fake racist messages sprayed on a car of a black student who later said he did it as a Halloween prank — for the university not to act decisively.

A noose was found hanging from a campus tree last spring, racist flyers were found on campus in September, and an anti-gay slur was written on a campus building in October.

Myers, who’s hiring two administrators to address campus racial issues, saw the need to bring Wildcat students together Friday afternoon. Students and staff are encouraged to leave campus buildings and head to Anderson Hall for the rally.

Even if some students see it as a way of skipping class, it’s a good step by K-State’s administration to address recurring problems that no campus wants to see. “KSUnite” should lead to more discussion among students who should all have the same aim of ending hate on campus and beyond.

This story was originally published November 10, 2017 at 10:39 AM with the headline "K-State makes a statement by suspending classes for rally against hate."