Macomb, IL – A Western Illinois University student organization's flyer turned into much more than an advertisement for a fun night of pizza and trivia. It prompted accusations of racism.
The flyer was designed for the Associated Students of History - or ASH. The flyer (left) features the words "pizza" and "trivia" along with a drawing of a cheese dripping slice of pizza. It also depicts a basic gallows with a noose hanging from the cross-piece and the phrase "Don't Get "Hung" Up In Your Studies - Join Us For A Fun Night Of Pizza and Trivia."
WIU student Lashonna Taylor says the flyer represents hangings and referenced the lynchings of African-Americans. She says it was racist, hurtful, and divisive to post it, especially given the Jena Six incident in Louisiana.
ASH President Abby Lagemann says she understands the concerns but feels the flyer is being misrepresented. She says it was intended to convey history research.
Taylor circulated a petition calling for a public letter of apology, multi-cultural sensitivity training for ASH members, and a requirement that all history students take a class focusing on the history of African-American slaves.
Reporter Alex Heuer talked to Taylor and Lagemann about the flyer. He also spoke to Equal Opportunity and Access Director Cathy Couza and History Department Chair Larry Balsamo. You can listen to Heuer's story about the controversy by clicking on the audio button.
Additional information:
*ASH and the petitioners held a meeting last week to discuss the issue in a non-administrative setting. Both groups expressed interest in co-sponsoring multi-cultural events.
*Taylor says she is not satisfied with the university administration's response to racially divisive issues. She will meet with WIU President Al Goldfarb this week and hopes the university will issue a response to the situation.