Continuing from my topic last week, I think it is important for students and people outside of Michigan State University to know what the environment is like here currently.
I had a discussion about the Nassar tragedy in class today, and because we all verbally agreed to a nondisclosure agreement, I won't be repeating anything anyone said unless those are my beliefs and what I want to say too. But this talk did spark some ideas and thoughts into my head about how this tragedy is affecting us as a whole.
1. We don't know either.
We are in the dark just as much as the audience is. I wish this statement was false, but it's not. Even as students of the university we are skeptical and suspicious of what is going on and who knew about this situation and did nothing to help. We don't know whats happening in administration, which in my opinion is wrong. As the people who make the university run - students - we should have a say in what happens next.
2. No, the campus is not dead.
Yes, we are disgusted with the recent turn of events. Yes, we extend any possible helping hand towards anyone affected.
Yes, we are angry at the people in charge and want our voices to be heard. BUT, that does not mean it stops our everyday lives. Students are still studying for the first wave of exams, going to class every day and meeting friends.
The faculty is still going to work every day, doing their absolute hardest to help students learn and keep the university running. The only thing that may have changed is that there is more empathy in the air. As we are learning we ask one another and check up if everything in life is ok. As teachers are teaching they ask and make sure students know they are here for us no matter what.
3. The actions of our leaders do not represent who we are.
The media seems to be addressing the university as a whole. One part, one body. Well, there are a little over 50,000 students alone attending this university, and the actions of a few ignorant administrative staff does not represent who we are. We, as students, have done no wrong and there is no reason for us to get hated on and receive any kind of backlash.
