As I mentioned in class today, there is some comfort discussing cases involving hate speech when they've happened some time ago or in other places such as other states.
But when it happens in our own community and in an apartment complex in which you or some of your classmates and friends live, it's important that we pay attention and realize the tremendous harm that can come from speech.
I'm reminded of the words of Chief Justice John Roberts in Snyder v. Phelps: "Speech is powerful. It can stir people to action, move them to tears of
both joy and sorrow, and—as it did here—inflict great pain. On the facts
before us, we cannot react to that pain by punishing the speaker. As a
Nation we have chosen a different course—to protect even hurtful speech
on public issues to ensure that we do not stifle public debate."
Here's a link to the KXAN news broadcast last night: http://kxan.com/2014/06/22/hate-crime-shocks-apartment-residents/
After you view the news report, you may want to check news outlets for updates on this story. Also, return here and share your reaction to what happened.
49 comments:
The hate speech cases we covered in class, such as the R.A.V. case, were the most frustrating and disconcerting cases I've been familiarized with at this point in the semester. While I understand and accept why the court rules the way they do as far as cases relating to free speech go, I can't help but feel a slight sting of injustice in allowing someone capable of this kind of degeneracy to go unscathed. My opinion, as it relates to this news story and assuming a student is responsible, is that we as a student body need to be more conscientious of what we say in jest because regardless of how we use a word, it perpetuates the nasty connotations associated with them. The whole thing is an affront to the academic integrity of San Marcos.
Mayra Toscano said...
I definitely agree with the residents of the apartment complex. It really disgusts me that people would go out of their way to vandilize and cause discomfort for other students in such a hateful way. This is one thing but it is how it all starts. One thing leads to another and if nothing is done to ensure this doesn't happen again, it can continue.
It really upsets me that members of the San Marcos community, who I assume are students at Texas State, would take the time out of their day to damage property and display such disgusting messages and symbols. It is an embarrassment to our university. I have always thought of Texas State as a very diverse, accepting, open-minded student body, so to see such vile things written really saddens me. I wish the apartment had security cameras so that the criminals could be identified. I hope that Sanctuary will raise their security so that students will feel safer. If I lived there I would be incredibly uncomfortable and concerned with Sanctuary's management failing to take action. If the criminals are caught I know they would just be charged with criminal mischief, but I wish it could be for hate crimes as well. It is unfortunate that in order to protect our speech rights we have to allow things like this to slide.
Not really all that shocking that something like this happened here. After all, it is a college campus and kids are young and stupid. Even if they weren't college students who did this, ignorance is never a good excuse to break the law. Clearly, in this instance, breaking the law didn't matter to these individuals. What they wrote was hurtful and completely unnacceptable, but people are entitled to do whatever they want in this country. Welcome to America. I think the bigger issue here is safety. Maybe if the 5 different law enforcement agencies that patrol here (State Troopers, SMPD, Constables, Sheriffs, University Police) would stop pulling people over for stupid #@!* like speeding and parking tickets and actually focus on stopping real crimes like the one aforementioned, people might not be able to get away things like this so easily. But, I'm sure the people who did this will not get caught and I'm sure it will happen again. The law enforcement here is just pathetic, plain and simple.
Out of the past four years I've lived in San Marcos, I have never heard of anything like this being done before. Although I easily could just not be in the loop, this is a big issue, whether some people don't agree. It makes me sad to think that there are people out in the world, especially (maybe students) at Texas State that would do something like this to intentionally hurt someone and be able to get away with it. When I hear things like this taking place, I am just curious what the person who did this is getting out of doing this type of action? How 'fun' or how much 'joy' can someone get out of destroying public property and emotionally abusing people? I hope this person gets caught ASAP.
Amanda Emmons
I had no idea about this story. I got back to my friend's apartment Friday night/Saturday morning, and there were similar drawings and hateful messages written in shaving cream on their front door. I didn't think much of it, except that it was ridiculous. After seeing this story, I get the idea that there might be some connection. Crazy.
I really don't understand why anyone would take the time to do something like that. It really makes no sense to me. I honestly think the thing that bothers me most is that the apartment complex doesn't seem to be doing ANYTHING to make their residents feel more safe. After something like that happened, I feel like they should have jumped and started putting notices on doors and upgrading security in the building. I understand it's a college campus and there are always those few people in the crowd but I guess I just never thought of Texas State being one of those places.
I don't really see the meaning behind this act of cruelty, besides just simple blind ignorance. When I moved here, it seemed like Texas State was really trying to establish a culture of tolerance and diversity, and it is just disappointing to see fellow San Marcos residents acting in such a manner.
I definitely think that this crime should serve as a wake-up call for other apartment complexes to beef up their security to protect the residents of this community and to prevent this from happening again.
The fact that this display of character still exists to this day sickens me. I continually hope that as time carries on and newer generations develop that we can all learn to have respect for the views and customs of others. I am a believer in individuality and expressing ourselves but not at the expense of another person's lifestyle. To me, this is another example of an ignorant, undereducated buffoon, that pride in the views set by their ancestors of the 1800's.
I had first seen the story when it was published by a fellow class mate on the Facebook page. My response to this action is perhaps the "general" or "normal" response you would get from a civilized citizen. I believe in freedom of speech very much. I believe everyone carries the right to express their feelings or beliefs, but there is a fine line often crossed when we as "free citizens" think only about ourselves other than the way we may hurt/harm others with our expressions and words. The tongue is in fact a deadly weapon..
I leave you with one of my favorite Bible verses:
"All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness."
-James 3:7-9
See you in class :)
The only thing more ignorant than the probable motive of this crime is the thought that this does not happen every day in some way or another. Racism is not dead. Hate has not gone to hell to live, it is all around us.
The sad thing is that sanctuary is one of the only apartments that I know of that you need a code to even get into the building. Also, the perps were smart enough to put every hate symbol out there in random areas. Therefore, according to Officer Mobley, SMPD, they can not be charged with a hate crime since there did not seem to be a central target. The violator would most likely only get a class C misdemeanor of criminal mischief (Probably a $500 fine).
In the Star, Mobley seemed pretty unfazed by the incident, even saying that way worse things have happened here.
My issue is that Sanctuary did not make any comment to residents or press. They have made two posts on Facebook and Twitter and neither addressed the crime, only why you should pick their property as your new home.
Here is the STARs article star.txstate.edu/node/2074
Nicole Thibodeaux
I live at Sanctuary, and the graffiti was on my floor. I was shocked when I woke up that morning and saw it. Since I've lived there I've seen petty vandalism several times, but nothing that could be considered hateful like this. It's unsettling that this happened where I live. Since then, Sanctuary has closed off two entrances to my building, but I don't think that addresses the issue at hand. I would like to see security cameras installed in the hallways.
Although I understand why the courts rule the way they do in regards to free speech, it still does not justify why someone would be so hateful. To go out of their way and destroy property, sounds like they have some bigger issues. I would be offended if this was the apartment complex I was living at. This does hit close to home and this is bigger than just some drunk college kid having fun. SAD.
Jaclyn Elbert
I really don't understand why someone would take the time out of there day to write such hateful messages. Do you really not have anything better to do with your time? It's just ridiculous! I'm sure since it happened once it will happen again. I just hope they get caught at one point. I hate that the students of Sanctuary feel uncomfortable in their own home. I agree that the person or persons responsible have some bigger issues.
Leanna T.
To me, it seems as though the person(s) who vandalized Sanctuary Lofts did not think this through. This type of vandalism caused many residents fear and discomfort in their own home. I would not feel safe if this were to happen at my apartment complex, so I do agree with others that cameras should be put up around the property to prevent from this happening again.
What's new? People doing things I don't approve. You know what, I don't worry about it. Because they're just unhappy people lashing out at others. People like that aren't getting any positive reinforcement elsewhere, so they try to inflict their pain upon others. Instead of getting mad at these people, I just think "whatever" and let life naturally move these people to the side. I don't live in town and I'm not familiar with these apartments. Nice living conditions currently out at the lake make me strive hard to achieve a future that doesn't put me in the middle of congested facilities with trouble-makers.
Jonathan R.
Although what happened at Sanctuary Lofts sucks, I like to keep in mind how free American are considering the power Free Speech gives us. Yeah of course the vandalism that was done is horrible, hurtful and made residents feel unsafe, but we have to remember that everyone is entitled to their own opinions and beliefs. What if a group of protesting nuns vandalized people’s homes who don’t believe in the nun’s religion, those people might find the “vandalism” as bad as the people who were victimized at Sanctuary Lofts. We can’t just see this incident black and white, there’s a whole bunch of gray in there. It is easy to judge, but it is harder to put ourselves in other people’s shoes. We should try to look at this incident from as many viewpoints. Don’t get me wrong though, I think the vandalism done at Sanctuary Lofts is offensive, but I also think there are more variables to consider before judging. For example, whoever did this might be in a very bad place in their lives. We all go through horrible things and most of us can handle what happens to us in a civilized manner and others simply can’t. Hey! It’s a big world with a lot of people, we need a little bit of everything even room some stupidity. –Andrea G.
even room *FOOOR some stupidity.
wow. awesome typo.
-Andrea
I think what happened sucks but what sucks more is the fact that the apartment complex hasn't seem to have reacted or acted that much at all. People should be able to feel comfortable about where they live.
It upsets me that this kind of behavior still exist after all the civil rights movements and equal rights movements our country has empowered. The apartment complex should be doing more to ensure their residents are safe and protected. It's awful feeling uncomfortable and unprotected in your own place of living.
It makes me sick to my stomach that this kind of behavior still exist. That or somebody is crazy enough to think that this is funny. It sucks not to feel safe anymore in your own home because of someone else's views or right to free speech but it is a right that we all have. Nothing can be done about it unless it was targeted at one person and it doesn't seem to be. (correct me if I am wrong.) What the apartment complex needs to do is make things safer for their residents and make sure this can not happen again. Like others have suggested, there needs to be security cameras installed.
-Aiden Diaz
It's so upsetting that we can put a man on the moon, but we can't have respect for other races/cultures than our own. This act of hate speech is alarming because of its proximity. I am thankful that I don't live at this complex, but still feel terrible for those who do. I also think the management for the complex should be doing a lot more than it appears they are to settle their tenants' fears.
Bailey S.
This type off thing just serves as another reminder that we must always be weary of our surroundings, even when we think we live in a fairly safe and relaxed college town. There is always going to be someone or some people who are filled with hate and have nothing better to do than to spread that hate. If I was a resident at Sanctuary Lofts I would no doubt be frightened and would maybe even consider moving out.
-Daniel Fickman
It is sickening that anyone would vandalize an apartment complex in such a way. It's even worse that Sanctuary Lofts hasn't taken any action to reconcile the event. I actually live there, and the only way that I or my roommates have heard about the even was through this class. I understand that it is bad publicity, but they could atleast make a mention out of respect for those who were offended by the hate speech.
It's really strange to me that this would happen in this area, being so close to Austin which has become one of the most accepting cities in Texas. You would think that at least one person would've noticed these people doing this. Also, with the amount someone pays to live at Sanctuary Lofts, you would think that there would be some type of security and/or cameras.
Based off my personal experiences at Texas State, I can say that something like this happening is not shocking at all. Every day I have to walk to class and I constantly hear students throw around slurs, and then I have to walk past the 'free speech zone' where some extremist is telling us all we're going to hell for various reasons. I hear on KTSW and read on the University Star all this self-congratulations on how diverse and accepting the school is, and yet I don't see any of that in my brief walks to class. Not everyone is like this, but there's a large and very vocal group of people who are. The problem is much bigger than this one incident.
It seems like a childish act to me even though those are some pretty hurtful words. It makes me wonder that if some kid is capable of doing that to just a doorstep in a little town, then anyone is capable of doing even more hurtful things.It's what the TV and books and any form of media that influences a lot of what society thinks. If everyone just turned off the brain control box, then people would be a lot smarter and have better things to do with their lives instead of getting ideas from what the sheep are being fed.
A part of me wants to think that this is some sort of weird troll by the "artists." If these people are seriously trying to spread a message then I can see how it would be un-nerving to live there as a resident. I think the complex is almost forced to install security cameras at this point, just to make sure nothing bigger is in the works.
Wade e
What an uncomfortable feeling the sanctuary residents must be going through after such incident. This was such an immature and distasteful thing for an adult (I'm assuming a Texas State student) to do. I feel as if the Sanctuary needs to add in extra security to help those who live there feel a litter safer, especially since this is their home away from home I'm assuming. I understand that things like this still happen in today's society, and there are still those people who are going to make uneducated remarks and believe they're just expressing their right of free speech, but this is definitely not the way to go about it. --Amber Wolf
The apartments were not only vandalized, they were vandalized with hateful slurs. While they may not have been directed to anyone in particular, they can still cause harm. This added with the fact that the Sanctuary Lofts seems to be avoiding addressing the issues is what disturbs me the most. If I were a resident I wouldn't feel safe after seeing the way it's been handled.
Jenna H.
Obviously, whoever did this is not familiar with the laws of Texas concerning criminal mischief charges. Punishments can range from significant fines to jail time if it proven that vandal intentionally made graffiti on the property of another. I think it is so sad to think that this ridiculous racist behavior continues today. It's unfortunate that people can be this ignorant and cause so much distress in the lives of others. Hopefully, the vandal will soon be identified.
-Mary Metaxas
As a current resident at Sanctuary Lofts it is very frightening to hear and see things like this happening where I live. Lots of other things have been happening that have gone unnoticed such as, peoples apartment being entered and Blackcat firecrackers were thrown in the living area and then they ran out before the residents saw who they were. The power was also cut off by somebody on Tuesday night at about 11 pm and remained off till 9:30 am Wednesday morning. The police were investigating and the power lines were cut by someone intentionally. This is very scary because nothing has been changed. The apartment managers have not even notified us about anything that has been going on and the security in the apartment complex is getting worse, not better. The doors to the main streets are all broken or do not close all the way. I do not feel comfortable in my own home and I want to know what they are going to do to fix this because as of now they have not done anything.
It deeply saddens me when situations like this one occur. At times I like to be blissfully ignorant and try not to think of the blatant evil some people inherently are possessed with. At the same time I am very grateful to be an American and have my speech protected by the First Amendment. Although many were offended and hurt by the actions of the individuals who conducted the shameful behavior, those individuals are still awarded the rights to free speech just like the rest of us. Hopefully karma will come back and kick them in the butt.
Rachel Miller
It just doesn't seem like an issue that we should still be seeing and hearing about in the media, especially in our local news. The idea that students, perhaps students we've seen around campus, can take time out of their days to degrade others sickens me.
Katie M.
It is very unfortunate that this incident happened so close to our school, and in the middle of our San Marcos community. The confused individuals who committed these acts clearly need to be caught and punished. This could also be very costly for Sanctuary Lofts if they do not take this seriously and increase their security. If the Lofts don't they will not only lose a lot of new business, but also their current residents will probably not want to renew their leases and live there next year. I know I wouldn't feel safe in my apartment with these types of incidents going on around the building.
Julian Liles
On a large college campus such as ours, I am not surprised to hear of incidents concerning vandalism. However, the hateful symbols left at those apartments went a bit far and did leave me a bit resentful. Residents were clearly left shaken and now feel unsafe where they should feel the most comfort- their homes.
Vandalizing property with hate speech is no doubt horrible and childish. I don’t agree with what the vandalizers did, nor do I condone it. However, the law is the law. The crime here is vandalizing, the hate speech doesn’t even apply. As long as there was no intent to intimidate I do not think the vandalizers should be charged. Again, I’m not saying I agree with it, but I do think it is symbolic speech protected by the first amendment. A person has the right to spread hate speech, negativity, etc. just as much as another person has the right to spread positive messages. Like I said, the only crime here is vandalism. Morally, the content of the messages are wrong, but legally it’s not. With that being said, I do hope the vandalizers get charged with vandalizing other's property, and I also hope the apartment complex will get better security for its tenants.
-Brittany Vella
This incident is just another great example of pure ignorance and cowardice. It is upsetting to know that cameras were not installed at the time and the criminals who committed the act were able to walk away freely. Free speech is a highly respected and highly protected right that I certainly value, however, I believe that we should all hold ourselves up to a much higher standard than the vandals in this case.
Rebecca R.
I hate to say this, but I'm honestly not surprised this happened. With the lack of surveillance and the immature attitudes of the vandals, the location makes sense. I live in a lofted style building as well so when there's noise outside my door, it doesn't send off any red flags, and it's really easy to run down a hall and out of sight from anyone nearby. I am, however, ashamed that our society still has people that would do such a thing. Granted they may not have singled any particular unit or person out and much worse does happens in the world, this just reflects narrow mindedness and lack of a moral conscience and hinders us as a whole from progressing to being a more peaceful and united society.
-Berlynn Yates
This is crazy that this is happening in our own back yard so close to the university. I also feel that it is 2014 and I am a little upset that hate like this is still relevant to this time. I think that this is great for our class discussions, but I do think they need more security for the apartments. Hopefully, more will be one about security and get a handle on the situation.
-Paitra Pleasant
I feel this is some stupid punk who is acting out for attention. I really wish I could just sock them in the face with my fist. Sadly, I'm rather indifferent towards actions. I have faced a lot of discrimination growing up looking different as an asian / hispanic hybrid as well as discrimination as a gay male. This stuff sucks, but as we learned we can't do anything to do them because their speech is protected. However, we did learn we can charge them for criminal mischief, so I hope that's what happens when the individuals that are responsible get caught.
I wish these individuals were thinking right. This does not look good for our school / town / area.
Issues of this sort always bug me. Obviously the person who did this did it for attention- maybe a prank to laugh at with friends or just a cry for someone to spend a moment of their life caring about them. With that being said I hate to give this person any amount of attention because that is what the want. And the fact that people are upset is the reaction they looked for. This behavior is not acceptable at all. It's sad that someone's life is filled with that much hate. Young college students typically don't think about the consequences of their decisions, that's part of college, learning to cope with the mistakes you've made. My only hope is that word of mouth helps discover who did this and that they are punished and embarrassed as they should be.
Ashley Ford
It's upsetting that there are people in this world that still do this kind of stuff. To think we have come so far as a country and we still have instances like this. I feel bad for the people who live there and were affected by this. The 1st amendment brings us so many great things, but sometimes it can cause great pain.
Aaron A.
It pains me to see that people have to endure racism like this but I'm honestly not surprised this happened. Just as so many other people on this thread have said, racism hasn't gone away. I'm really sorry that residents at the apartment complex don't feel secure at all, I would think that security and surveillance would be beefed up but i guess there are people who don't think this disturbance is a big deal at all. It's great that we all have the right to freedom of speech but it's pathetic that some people choose to abuse that right to cause harm in others. I'm bi-racial and have endured discrimination throughout my life and even while attending Texas State, I really hope the purpotrators are brought to justice. Being discriminated against is a really ugly feeling. We don't need tolerance in the world, we need acceptance.
I'm not sure if it has something to do with my background, but I am from Louisiana and I was raise in Beaumont, Texas which is 30 minutes away from the boarder. Sadly these things are not shocking to me at all. It really sucks when you have to feel uncomfortable in your place of comfort. I'm not shocked with the reaction of the apartment managers either. When it comes to housing in San Marcos for college students I often witness that everything is about money and because we are students our rights are often violated.
This article hits close to home when it is your school that is involved. I also can't believe that someone would go out of their way to destroy someone's property and make them feel unsafe and uncomfortable in their own home. These people are free to think what they want but when they take it this far it is crossing the line. I believe that they should be punished for this hate speech.
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