April 12th 2024.
Indiana University has found itself at the center of controversy this week after a white student's racist video about Black people in country music sparked outrage on campus. The student, identified as Asa Blanton, a nursing major, shared her blatantly racist views on Yik Yak, a popular social media app for college students. In her video, Blanton made it clear that she believed Black people did not belong in the country music scene and even went as far as to say that they were only good for being bought and sold as slaves.
Blanton's tirade was seemingly sparked by the success of Beyoncé's record-breaking country album, "Cowboy Carter," which not only topped the country charts but also debuted at No.1 on the Billboard 200, making it the best-selling album of 2024. This achievement was a major milestone for the Black community, but for Blanton, it was just another opportunity to spew her hateful beliefs.
The University of Indiana released a statement on Monday, April 8, in response to the video, stating that the student's comments were not in line with the university's values of diversity and inclusivity. However, many students felt that this response was not strong enough and took to the streets to protest against the school's handling of the situation.
The school's weak response has also raised concerns about the potential impact of Blanton's racial bias on her future career as a nurse. Members of the Black Alumni Network have called for more transparency from the university regarding their stance on hate speech and racism. President Darrell Morton Jr. believes that the school should have a defined policy on hate speech and make it clear that such behavior will not be tolerated.
The fact that Blanton, a future healthcare professional, holds such hateful views towards Black people is alarming and highlights the ongoing disparities faced by the Black community in the healthcare industry. Students and faculty at Indiana University are demanding more than just a statement from the school; they want to see real action being taken to address and prevent incidents like this from happening in the future.
It is heartening to see the students' determination and courage in speaking out against racism and holding their administration accountable. Their actions have inspired others, like Dr. Jon Paul, to join in and support their cause. As the university continues to grapple with this incident, it is clear that the fight against racism and discrimination is far from over.
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