Daniel Paul Watkins, president of the Students’ Association at Abilene Christian University in Texas, found a noose on his office desk chair last week in what students condemn as a “hateful” and “wrong” act of racism. Administrators have yet to determine the perpetrator, but students are hoping that the event will do more to unify the school’s diverse campus than to divide it. Student groups on campus are planning discussion panels and events to celebrate and promote cultural and ethnic diversity. Watkins says he sees the event as an opportunity to really address racial issues, and to expand social tolerance and education.

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