Bruises that won’t heal
In the last month on Grounds, there have been two attacks thought to have been motivated by the race or the perceived sexual orientation of the victim. Neither of these attacks resulted in serious physical harm. For a moment, the lack of serious injury seemed significant to me. “The University community is one of love, diversity, and respect,” I thought to myself, “and while there will always be minor and isolated incidents of intolerance, we can sleep soundly knowing that we are ultimately good. These cuts and bruises will quickly heal.” Yet immediately, that reaction felt inadequate.