This letter is in response to the recent noose incident at UCSD:
UCSD Racial Tensions Dear BSU of UC San Diego,
On behalf of the officers, advisers, and delegates of Muslim Student Association West, we want to express our support and solidarity with you in these times of hardship. As Muslim students, we understand how it feels to experience hate crimes and face death threats. The African American community is an important part of the American social fabric, enriching our history and culture. Moreover, African Americans are an integral part of the Muslim American community, forming about 25% of Muslims in the United States.
Regardless of these facts, these hate incidents affect all communities across the nation. As Muslim American students and activists who believe in justice for all, it is our duty and obligation to stand with those who are facing blatant and racial injustices on campus. The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said, "Whoever of you sees an evil must then change it with his hand. If he is not able to do so, then [he must change it] with his tongue. And if he is not able to do so, the [he must change it] with his heart, and that is the slightest [effect of] faith" (Narrated by Muslim). It is a shame that hate crimes and racial slurs and threats are still issues we face today, but it is not a reality that we will accept; rather, we will fight it until justice is established. MSA West would like to extend it's hand of support and stand with you in solidarity.
Incidents of hate are not new to the MSA at UCSD. Last year hate graffiti appeared throughout campus, hate emails were sent to board members, and one of the UCSD MSA members had her tires slashed. To the disappointment of the MSA, the administration and the police took little action. The Muslim Student Association of San Diego understands the pain of these hate incidents and fully supports all those who undergo similar harassment.
Martin Luther King Jr. once said, "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." If we stand silent in the face of injustice, then we become complicit with the perpetrators. Throughout American history, there have been many acts of hate and brutality towards African Americans and other minorities; this is our opportunity to stand united and mobilize against these injustices. It is crucial that we take a very stern stance against these hateful criminal acts by any means necessary.
“You don't stick a knife in a man's back nine inches and then pull it out six inches and say you're making progress" -Malcolm X. It's time for us to make some real progress.
In Solidarity,
Claremont Colleges MSA
in association with MSA West
