United We Stand

​This is another shining example of why I love Texas A&M University. Last week, many Aggies were up in arms about alt-right proponent, Richard B. Spencer, coming to our campus to speak and I think the University handled the situation with class. 

​As not to impede anyone's First Amendment rights, they still allowed the speech to take place but offered an uplifting, University-sponsored alternative for those on campus, Aggies United. This event was not just something else to attend but a way to show how we are adamantly against what Spencer stands for. And, on December 6, 2016, Aggies came together to show what we stand for: Diversity, Excellence, Integrity, Leadership, Loyalty, Respect & Selfless Service. 

It was encouraging that inside the Richard B. Spencer event, a majority of the 400 attendees were there in protest. While Spencer inappropriately reacted to questions asked by the protesters, Aggies stepped up to the podium one after another questioning his motives. A genetics program professor, Dr. Alan Pepper, asked a question about DNA testing to establish white identity but not before Spencer tried to belittle Dr. Pepper by saying “look how fat you are” and stating he has “utter contempt for losers like you” in regards to Dr. Pepper’s BTHO Hate t-shirt. Dr. Pepper, an expert in adaptive evolution, asked if Spencer has gotten his genome sequenced to find out his true heritage. Spender’s response was, “most all of science and the google corporation disapprove of you” ... No sir, you’re talking about yourself.

​To hear Spencer's whole (contradictory) response, watch the video above from 1:24:00 to 1:27:10.

While the protests were still what primarily took over coverage on CNN, I am proud that the Aggies put forth something centered around unity and not hatred, putting a positive spin on an event that, on its own, would otherwise draw so much negativity. (Unfortunately, in the media, negativity usually gets more airtime than positivity. While Aggies United didn't receive a lot of coverage itself, it's presence helped keep even more negative coverage at bay.)
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I wasn’t able to attend Aggies United in person but I was able to take part by streaming most of it live. It was pretty impressive how so many Aggies pulled together against hatred and I can honestly say, I am a proud Aggie.