I take full responsibility for this letter; the views I express do not represent the views and feelings of the Black Student Association.

As a man, I must stand up against the university’s decision to put up a wall.

I call it the “The Wall of Hate.” This project asked our students to create from within hate and display it for the world to see it. The original design for the wall is for them to use any hateful words or images the students wish.

The symbolism of this wall is to show the hate that the people, or the builders still hold on to till this day. The symbolic gesture of pulling down the wall is only tearing down the physical nature of this hateful structure.

The impact of the words, knowing the true feelings of how this campus feels about each other is horrible and will have a long term effect on the student’s, faculty’s and staff’s relationship.

How can I encourage any student to go to college at a university that shows we have not healed from the prejudice, hate and ignorance?

What have you done, UTM, to help your international students? This “Writing on the Wall” project is not the answer.

They did not travel thousands of miles to see the imperfections of America. I am sure they came to receive a quality education and meet new friends.

When they need transportation, do we help? When they walk by do we actually say “hello” instead of giving a fake smile as we pass by?

A wall is by one of its many definitions is a extreme or desperate position such as defeat or ruin.

This hate that is displayed in the heart of the campus, needs to die and never be resurrected. When all the cinder blocks are gone, the words the images will still remain.

In the Mid-South, we do not need reminders of hate because we live it.

My parents lived in it, my grandparents and their parents also had to endure the hate of people.

Just remember, “words are as deadly as a double edged sword.” They are dangerous, the bible teaches us this, as well as history.

There is a solution to every conflict. I have a suggestion. Let’s all have a good time together.

I challenge the IFC and NAPHC to have a Unification Party. Invite the entire university student body to this party, including all Greek organizations.

Even ISA, BSA, ALLIES and any other associations this campus has.

Unification Party will not symbolize, but it will show that we can laugh together, dance together, and just have a good time together.

The wall is a set back and disgraces to this beautiful campus. However, if we all just kill hate from inside one’s self, and channel that energy into something positive, we will break down the barriers of hate.

The times of glorifying hate are over.

We shall overcome, we shall overcome, we shall overcome, some day, Oh, deep in my Heart, I do believe that we shall over come some day.

Anthony Resean Broussard Covington