Guess what kids? It doesn't need to be 1960 to make it a hate crime.

Not even a year ago, a colleague of mine was graduating from a society that I frequently have referred to as my own.  We, this society, have PRIDED ourselves on being a group of people who are "humanitarians" and "diverse" in our circle.  When this friend of mine spoke at the convocation, she proudly stood and spoke of how every other job she had been at had been guilty of some sort of flaw where not all were loved equally, or someone was not treated fairly, but she prided our little group.  She even went as far as to say we were almost "utopian" in our lack of judgment on each other.  Oh, friend, how sad you would be to hear of this new incident as it has been brought to my attention.  

I was recently in my place of business, this once "utopian" looking society to find one of my younger peers a little on the mopey side.  After further discussion, she shared with me that one of our other staff members had written her off because of a comment she had made that somehow revealed her as a believer.  

Readers, it made me sick.  Now, just a few weeks prior to this, there was a staff meeting of sorts ADDRESSING THIS VERY THING... only the victim was muslim.  Sucks, right? everyone agreed this was not an okay thing to happen.  And now, a mere WEEK after this previous conversation, almost the same thing occurs, only it is 1) Peer to peer (as opposed to stranger to peer) and 2) The victim was christian.

Maybe I'm crazy, but just because we don't wear head scarves doesn't make us any less immune.  It's STILL ignorance.  And it shouldn't be tolerated. 

My heartbreak happened on so many levels.  One: People who have the similar ideas and views form clubs, where this society, so proud of their "diversity" was built so that we could learn from each other.  It FRIGHTENS me also, that someone with this amount of intolerance is supposed to be representing the University in a positive light.  

As a member of the faith, I know I can let it go because persecution and judgement go with the territory.  However, as a staff member of the University, this issue needs to be addressed.  

The term "University" came from two words "Unity in Diversity", the idea being that diverse minds could come together when practicing the reasons they are diverse (39 Geisler Bocchino).  Clearly in this situation, there was a major lack of that.  It is very unsettling to know that a supposed scholar of higher caliber could be so ignorant, and ACTIVE in their distaste.  

I am not suggesting that everyone agree with me... but I am suggesting that Christians face JUST AS MUCH persecution as our muslim friends.  Friends, the way is not a smooth road, but God promises us that it will be worth it.  

Say a prayer for the offender tonight.  Also, say a prayer for me.  No society is perfect, but one that so easily writes off their peers... I am not sure I want to stay affiliated with such a group.