I am writing in response to the demands placed by the student leaders of Black Caucus. First of all, I would like to know how the demand for an increase in scholarships for African-American students has anything to do with the recent incidents of hate mail and death threats.

On a side note, I would also like to make it known that I am not one of those sheltered, affluent individuals who is not accustomed to a diverse environment.

I come from a working-class family within the city limits, and I have yet to be offered any scholarships or to be catered to otherwise financially. Since when does an act of intolerance deem free education a necessity? Maybe I should go out and place demands since I am not eligible for minority scholarships. But then, I was not raised with the mentality to reap rewards from the government by hardworking taxpayers. Instead, I chose to be a hardworking taxpayer and pay my way through school. I do not expect things to be handed to me, and you shouldn't either. Since when do apologies have to be associated with monetary rewards? I am not condoning hatred and intolerance in any way, but I unable to make the connection between a criminal act being absolved by a free education.