While on a tour of Washington D.C., two white New Jersey high school students decided to pay a visit to Howard University's campus to have lunch. The problem is, they decided to show up on an historically Black campus wearing 'Make America Great Again' hats.
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The two students both wore 'Make America Great Again' hats, while Allie Vandee, one of the students also wore a 'MAGA' t-shirt. The attire caused a negative uproar on campus, resulting in a man stealing one of the 'MAGA' hats. The hat would be returned shortly after by an advisor.
After realizing how big of an issue they were causing, the chaperone encouraged all of the students from the tour to leave. But it didn't stop Vandee from leaving a statement on Twitter claiming she was the victim.
“While we were waiting in line not knowing the HU is a predominantly ‘black’ school, which either way SHOULDN’T MATTER, a man came up and stole Sarah’s hat,” Vandee wrote.
Vandee continued, “We were harassed continuously. The students took videos and pictures of us saying WE were being ‘disrespectful’, and that ‘us being caucasian, we should have known better’.”
— al (@allie_vandee) August 19, 2017
But Howard University wasn't having it!
You came to an HBCU, one of the few places Black people have historically been relatively safe from racism, and openly supported a racist.— BlackLorenaBobbitt (@YesYourHonor_) August 19, 2017
What did you expect?— BlackLorenaBobbitt (@YesYourHonor_) August 19, 2017
I expected to get my damn lunch without being harassed 😂— al (@allie_vandee) August 19, 2017
Howard University officials issued the following statement following the uproar on campus:
A Thread:— Howard University (@HowardU) August 20, 2017
Today, there were visitors on our campus who were wearing paraphernalia that showcased their political support. 1/10
This occurrence and the responses on social media that followed emphasize the need for and importance of human interaction. 2/10— Howard University (@HowardU) August 20, 2017
The recent events in Charlottesville are the latest examples of the deep divisions that exist in our country. 3/10— Howard University (@HowardU) August 20, 2017
Though this is an institution where freedom of thought, choice, and expression are ever-present, we will never compromise our values 4/10— Howard University (@HowardU) August 20, 2017
or allow others to convince us to do so. 5/10— Howard University (@HowardU) August 20, 2017
We will remain committed to truth and service and boldly affirm who we are and what we stand for. 6/10— Howard University (@HowardU) August 20, 2017
Our campus is a space for educational engagement to occur between both those who do and do not share our values. 7/10— Howard University (@HowardU) August 20, 2017
Thankfully, when visitors set foot on our campus they are met with some of the brightest and best students in our nation. 8/10— Howard University (@HowardU) August 20, 2017
Howard students are not simply academically advanced, political activists, leaders, and mentors—9/10— Howard University (@HowardU) August 20, 2017
Howard students represent all that is right about America. 10/10— Howard University (@HowardU) August 20, 2017
Source: Essence
What do you think about the students reactions? How would you have responded in this situation?
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Mike "Orie" Mosley is the managing editor for CurlyNikki.com and a cultural advocate from St. Louis. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Arts, Entertainment & Media Management from Columbia College Chicago and a Masters in Higher Education Administration from LSU. He is also the founder of www.afrotrak.com. In his spare time, he's probably listening to hip hop & neo soul music, hitting up brunch or caught up in deep conversations about Black music. You can follow him on Twitter @mike_orie or on Instagram @mikeorie
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