The systems and institutions that be are overflowing with privilege. White, upper-class, male, heterosexual privileges are re-enforced and perpetuated in this hierarchical institution which is unbending and unwilling to change.

Martin Luther King Day is a day for all students. Anyone who is unable to look up to him and admire the qualities that that man gave to our country should ask themselves about their own internalized racism.

MLK Day is about remembering the values and dreams of which he spoke, and about contemplating his words in order to apply his knowledge to our society of yesterday, toda, and tomorrow.

Percentages have their perspective too.

Just because the majority of white students are privileged enough to not have to take death threats against minority students seriously doesn't mean there is no problem.

Just because the men on this campus can walk down alleys at night doesn't mean they are safe for women.

Just because heterosexual people use "gay" as a synonym for "stupid" doesn't mean that they aren't embracing homophobic vocabulary.

Until all under-represented groups join in the statement that things are "just fine," things are not fine. And you know what?

I don't think I know anyone belonging to an under-represented group saying that everything is equal and just fine here in Happy Valley.