Tallahassee, Fl--2/17/12
The pen is mightier than the post. That's the philosophy these FSU students are embracing. Their handmade signs promote "peace and love." They aim to remind their peers that no matter your skin color, sexual preference or sex, "we all bleed red."
Members of the Black Student Union organized this march Thursday night. It's in response to blatantly racist remarks, including the "n" word, posted on a student-run website.
The page is supposed to be a forum for anonymous confessions and idle gossip. Some students say their peers have gone too far.
"I was outraged by what I read on the website. The fact that I was sitting in class with people who were thinking these things...It was ignorant and I felt strongly about it so I had to go out," said FSU student Shanique Wilson.
Students began their march at the "Integration" statue on FSU's campus. It's a symbol of unity and equality that the students who marched hope to promote.
"What we hope to accomplish is spread the message of unity and embrace our culture as Florida state community as well as the Tallahassee community," said VP of FSU's Black Student Union, Jeanine Suah.
FAMU students joined in. In Unity they marched through campus all the way to the capitol.
As of last night, the website has been temporarily suspended. WCTV is choosing not to release the name of the site.
Site administrators released a statement saying," The racial statements are unfortunate and are not condoned by the site. But due to the nature of an anonymous discussion board these comments, as well as other offensive topics do appear."
It is important to note that FSU administrators say this web forum is not affiliated with the university. They say it's students exercising their right to free speech.