By Dave Lucas
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-1002720.mp3
New Paltz, NY – Back in November, the campus at New Paltz Sate University of New York, was rattled by a racially insensitive incident that brought the campus together, and opened the doors to understanding other backgrounds. Hudson Valley Bureau Chief Dave Lucas has an update...
After a November 8th campus observance of "Black Solidarity Day," a label reading "Colored Only" appeared above a drinking fountain in the Humanities Building. Days later, campus police were notified that a "racially offensive poster" has been placed in an elevator at a residence hall, and that graffiti had appeared in other elevators.
The college sent emails out to students within a day of the incident, which attracted national media attention. A campus-wide forum was conducted on November 17th. Campus Police Chief David Dugatkin has been patiently investigating the case. He believes that - in time - more information will surface...
More than 400 students, faculty and staff participated in another campus forum held November 30th in response to the incident. College President Donald Christian and Student Association President Terrell Coakley took a pro-active stance in addressing the racially sensitive issue - and in scheduling additional forums. Christian created a "Can We Talk About It?" button campaign to heighten awareness and encourage dialog.
Coakley was upset by initial attempts to explain the incident as a "social experiment" by either a student or faculty member, an idea dismissed by police. Major Coleman is a Black Studies Professor at New Paltz who thinks it's good that racial issues are discussed openly - he's a proponent of the "Can We Talk About It?" buttons.
Campus police continue to process leads. Chief Dugatkin encourages anyone having information to come forward. Terrell Coakley believes the best way to face racism is to deal with it "out in the open."
Students, faculty and campus police agree that the racial incident has made its mark, one that has heightened awareness, understanding and a change of attitude at the University.