No one knows quite how to react when tragedy strikes. First comes shock, which is followed hand-in-hand by grief and fear.
However, for some, anger, with its concurrent twin emotions of bitterness
and vengefulness, follows close behind.
Already, this tendency has manifested to various degrees at
Mississippi State University. Students enraged by last week’s terrorist
attack have begun expressing various opinions on how the American
government should address the events of Sept. 11.
Prayer vigils and class discussions have been the primary outlet for
students’ anger and uncertainty. However, it is the actions of those on the
periphery that concerns fellow students and those in authority.
“I think that it is a shame that any American, or anyone in the world
for that matter, should live in fear,” sophomore Jay Monroe said.
“I think that it is necessary that we take precautionary measures to
protect international students. When a tragedy like this happens, people
tend to find someone to focus their anger on,” Angela Maxwell, a senior,
said. “That is the phase that I believe some students at this university are
experiencing right now. Until that phase is over, we need to take every
means necessary to protect our peers.”
Already sensing the possibility for this need, university officials and
staff members at the university’s International Services Department have
contacted the entire international student body about this matter.
“Every society has people that act in an foolish or irrational manner,”
Helen Zuercher, director of International Services, said. “They (international
students) have to realize that there is an element of that within American
society as well, especially under the current circumstances.”
In their effort to reassure international students, the International
Services Department sent out an e-mail to the entire international student
body containing information on how best to protect themselves from
harassment from fellow students.
Within the e-mail, students were given both emergency and non-
emergency numbers to call if they ever found themselves in a threatening
situation. They were also reassured that they have the protection from the
university, University Police and the Starkville Police Departments..
International students, however, were requested to take certain
precautions within the next few weeks and months. For instance, students
are requested to retain a low profile and to avoid conflict with fellow
students.
Students were also cautioned to remain on campus if possible,
and if it became necessary to travel off campus, to remain in groups. In
many instances, Campus Police are offering international students
transportation to their residences, particularly at night, if they find
themselves alone on campus because of class or other requirements.
International students were advised to carry their passports with them
at all times so that they could easily establish their legal right to be here if
they were detained for any reason.
Students are being cautioned that, if confronted, they should walk
away from the situation, and never attempt to force the issue.
“Students need to maintain a low profile … it is not a time for anyone to try
to call attention to themselves through either their words or their actions.”
Zuercher said.
Yet, despite the fear that last week’s events may unleash a backwash
of anti-foreign sentiment, students and faculty remain hopeful that this will
not be the case here. Already, faculty members are speaking out within
their own classrooms about the fallacy of associating a random act of
violence to any one religion or people as a whole.
They are making efforts to generate constructive classroom
discussions on the issue and thereby are trying to instill reason within the
student body.
“It is important that we educate all MSU students about all of the
international students and what they contribute to this campus,” Zuerecher
said. “I am hoping that all faculty, staff and students will be respectful of
every nationality and religious belief represented here at Mississippi State
University.
“Within every religious belief, there are various splinter groups.
Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists and Christians … we all have these groups. Yet
for the most part, each of these religions embraces the same ideals, love of
one’s fellow man, protection of the needy, etc. Only aberrant groups preach
and practice violence, regardless of faith or creed. We need to practice
respect for others and their beliefs here at Mississippi State University.