America is a country born through revolution and built with that same spirit, expressed through the brave and admirable activists that litter the pages of the nation’s history books.  However, no conflict is as simple as it seems, and the recent #NotAgainSU protests in Crouse-Hinds Hall are no exception.

For eight days, protesters have occupied Crouse-Hinds. Until the second day, students inside the building were denied food and general care products by DPS officers that were stationed outside of the doors. Students that stayed inside of the building were suspended early in the week until Chancellor Kent Syverud announced their suspensions were being lifted on Wednesday.

Even from a summary as brief and matter of fact as that one, it’s easy to read about what’s happening and jump to conclusions. In fact, the first time I heard about the situation, I was furious. It’s important to remember in situations such as these, though, that no two sides of any conflict will ever tell the same story.

While these protests bring important issues to the attention of the students and faculty, they also open the door for these issues to be quickly sensationalized through news outlets and social media.

For example, the anger of many students was initially rooted in the apparent lack of action taken by SU administration in dealing with the hate crimes being reported on and around campus. In fact, Chancellor Kent Syverud claimed in his address to the University Senate on Feb. 20 that actions have been made in response to the incidents.

“Some perpetrators have, in fact, been found and punished, including with suspensions, including this semester, but people don’t know that because our student conduct process has been kept so confidential,” he said.

Additionally, there was a large outcry over social media about the unfairness of students being suspended for exercising their basic right to protest.  But that, too, was inaccurate. Although students were temporarily suspended earlier this week, it was actually in response to their refusal to exit SU property when it closed, not for protesting.

These are only a few examples from a confusing situation that’s still developing even now. I stand with and support anyone who feels their rights have been infringed upon and seeks retribution, but I feel that the way this controversy has been dealt with on both sides is irresponsible.

When complex issues are simplified and assumptions are broadcasted as though they were facts, they can greatly damage the legitimacy of a cause and distract from the most important part of the situation: the truth.

 

Dylan Williams is a freshman in the transmedia department. His column appears bi-weekly. He can be reached at dwilli39@syr.edu. He can be followed on Twitter at @_DylanFox_.

Published on February 23, 2020 at 7:04 pm