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The Daily Illini Online
published Friday, September 14, 2001
Tuesday's tragic events have brought our nation to its knees. Amidst the turmoil and despair, a glimmer of the human spirit has shown through.
Scout is amazed by the nation's apparent unity. Even our nation's leaders have put aside their partisan views and come together to show solidarity. On campus, the stars and stripes hang in the windows of residence hall rooms and fly proudly in front of greek houses. Students of all types have gathered for times of hope, prayer and remembrance. Scout commends the student leaders who immediately took action to decide the best way to provide aid. Everyone's donations of money and blood might seem to be small actions in light of such a big tragedy, but they are testaments to the willingness of people to help.
Scout wants to ensure that we help each other out in other ways, too. A lot of healing will be needed in Urbana-Champaign. If your friend or roommate lost someone in the tragedy, Scout knows you'll be there to support him or her. If you lost someone or are having trouble dealing with the meaning of these events, there are services such as the University's Counseling Center that can help. Even though we might not personally be affected, the sadness of the events is impossible to ignore. We are all human, after all.
The Daily Illini and Scout extend their deepest sympathies to anyone who lost someone or is still uncertain of a loved one's whereabouts.
As students, we have to examine the way we treat each other. Thousands of students on campus have come here from different countries for an education. Some are in fear right now. They might feel alienated, and some fear a backlash from American citizens. The terrorists could very well have been American, and even if they weren't, students here do not deserve to be punished. Scout does not mean that Scout thinks American students want to physically hurt visiting students. Dirty looks, racial slurs and accusations can be just as damaging as violence, and a little respect can go a long way.
Scout can hardly imagine how difficult this situation must be for international students. Although pain and emotions are running high, Scout thinks as a student body, we can do better than to fall into the traps of hatred and prejudice.
Scout was irate when Scout heard classes were not cancelled on Tuesday. Other Illinois universities including those in Chicago were effectively closed. At first, Scout thought this was unsafe as well as insensitive. Scout's mind changed when students had chances to share their sorrows and experiences in class. That is probably the exact opposite of what terrorists would want to happen.
Campus Scout appears Wednesdays and Fridays. Scout can be reached at scout@dailyillini.com.
© 2001 Illini Media Company, all rights reserved.