First off,

Let me just say that the recent happenings on WSU's Pullman campus are not something that I am very proud of.

In case you somehow are not connected to any social media or happen to live under a rock, the following video explains the event:

WSU Officials Investigating Racist Video...

Okay, so here is my first issue with this situation-

1) This is happening on a college campus, a federally funded institution that is supposed to support ALL people associated with the university, no matter what color they are

2) What happens when WSU officials find out who leaked the video, and who is behind it? Probably nothing.. Free Speech and all right? *smh

3) What is our student body planning to do about the clearly evident racism happening on campus? How are we going to combat this racism by using knowledge and not responding in negative ways, which further fuels all this hate?

4) Why, oh why do members of the College Republicans have to be associated with this? Is the Trump Agenda molding our fellow cougs into racists? Why is this group involved with this issue?

5) It's 2017 and racism is still very evident in society; what does this say about our generation, and are we ever going to be able to put these issues to rest?

So for the bigots out there,

Oh and the Christians,

The democrats, the republicans,

International students,

People who hold dual-citizenship in this country,

To the Naive,

The popular,

And EVERYONE in between-

I believe everyone should take time this summer to do a couple things:

- Binge-Watch the newly released Netflix show, Dear White People, based off the movie that was released in 2014.

*Watching it does not mean full criticizing it or watching it with your friends while you make crude jokes and scoff. Go into it with an open mind, and pay attention to what the actors are talking about, how people are reacting to it and how the show discusses CURRENT social justice issues that everyone needs to be informed about.

- Educate yourself.

This is the period of time when class is not in session (for most of you anyways) and therefore most of us have at least a little bit of down time to enjoy over the next 3 months. Pick up a book, go out and meet new people, expand your horizons, etc. just do something that educates you on current social issues surrounding racism, so that come fall term, this obscene video and this outward racism can be something no longer practiced or needed to be talked about.

- Embrace Diversity.

We are ALL different; this is what makes us human and what makes each of us unique. No matter what the color of your skin is, you should feel safe on the college campus that you chose to be associated with. You deserve this. As a human being, a tuition-paying student, a tax-payer, etc. Stand up for what is right and understand that all people come from various cultural backgrounds. Learn how to become socially aware so that oppression of this country's history can stop repeating itself over and over again.

In the beginning of the summer, we already have some work to do.

Are you willing to be an advocated for social justice and racial equality?

Are you contributing to the existing racism happening on college campuses all over?

Do you plan on sitting in the audience, or are you going to get in the ring and begin to fight back?