“It’s okay to be white” signs stir controversy on campus, around countryAdrienne Underwood, Canela Lopez, and Lily Milwit • November 2, 2017
https://tulanehullabaloo.com/32450/news/its-okay-to-be-white-signs-stir-controversy-on-campus-around-country/
Signs were found posted on Tulane's campus Wednesday morning, as well as in Boston, Alberta, and Rocky River.Editor’s Note: The Hullabaloo editorial staff acknowledges that running this article on the front page of our paper and online in some ways plays into what the posters of the signs initially wanted: inciting outrage, prompting condemnation and dividing our community. Nonetheless, we felt that ignoring the events that transpired on campus Wednesday morning would be to ignore the voices of students who felt (and who feel) unheard. Through what we believe to be truthful and accurate reporting, we hope to amplify those voices.Sophomore Zahra Saifudeen woke up early the morning after Halloween to get breakfast before her exam. As she approached the Lavin-Bernick Center for University Life, she spotted something that stood out among the various homecoming windows and student organization signs. It was a collection of flyers that read, in large capital letters, “It’s okay to be white.”
Saifudeen, who is also the treasurer of Finding Intersectionality Together, said the signs furthered sentiments she already had as a student of color at Tulane.
“I, if it was even possible, felt more isolated than I have already,” Saifudeen said.
Students reported seeing signs on the homecoming windows of multicultural organizations, bulletin spaces, residence halls and academic buildings. Several signs were subsequently removed by students, Tulane University Police Department officers and LBC employees.
“Upon notification, [the signs] were immediately taken down, as they violated our signage policies for the LBC,” LBC Director Heather Seaman said. “This is our standard practice for any signs that are posted on the building without approval.”
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