Minority groups fear for safety
By Tandice Ghajar | September 13, 2001Responding to concerns about a possible backlash against students with Middle Eastern backgrounds, many groups around Grounds have discussed over the two days since the terrorist attacks ways to combat such reactions. Between 9 and 9:30 Tuesday night a message went out to several organizations' e-mail listsannouncing a gathering in Newcomb Hall, beginning as soon as they could arrive, for students fearful about such a backlash. By 10 p.m., a large circle of people had convened in the Commonwealth Room, including Deans of Students Pablo Davis and Ajay Nair, Counseling and Psychological Services representatives Russ Federman and Julia Routbort, Terri Moore of University Career Services, and a cross-section of student organizations' members. Some two hours later, weary from the nightmarish day, students and administrators filed out of Newcomb having voiced early concerns and decided on protective steps they would take.
