LETTERS: Wrong to equate DuBois, KKK

To the Editor: Allidina wrote "I can't justify the prohibition of DuBois house in the same way I would never legislate the disbanding of the Ku Klux Klan." Although he was probably only trying to make a dramatic statement about freedom of association, his analogizing of DuBois residents to KKK members is offensive and misleading. Throughout its history, the KKK has been a violent and oppressive organization. Klansmen and Klanswomen have murdered, oppressed and otherwise violated the constitutional rights of thousands of African Americans and other people of color, as well as religious minorities such as Jews and Catholics. Compounding these crimes is the fact the KKK has historically acted under the shield of the law. Thus, not only were many Americans subject to the Klan's brutalization, but legal avenues of justice were foreclosed to these victims as well. Although Klan violence may not be as prevelant today as it once was, the Klan's pedigree is undeniable. In contrast to the Klan stands DuBois House and its members. Regardless of what DuBois stands for, or what non-residents believe it stands for, DuBois certainly does not stand for the violent and oppressive acts that have sustained the KKK. Allinda's careless comparison conflated an empowered group of African American students with one of this country's most brutal oppressors of African Americans. This is not merely ironic, it is wrong. David Brioso Law '98 Racism: A 'hindrance' To the Editor: I would like to reply to Professor Robert Rutman's response to "A house of a different color" (Letters to the Editor, DP, 11/20/96). Prior to his letter, I did not realize I was a "mostly racist white student" studying at a "segregated white citadel." I also did not realize I am part of a mass of "indifferent, often hostile white students" incapable of co-existing with people of African American descent? Rutman's letter could perpetuate, instead of attenuate, racism on campus. Should I now believe that people of African American descent view me as a hostile racist? If so, maybe it is better to place as much distance as possible between me and people of African American descent. After being judged a racist, I would like to defend myself. One thing defining a species is the ability to only procreate with other members of that species. Since it is possible for a person of African American descent to procreate with a hostile white racist, this means we are one and the same. Yes, this is a fact, and I embrace it? I view racism as a hindrance to our species, and I blame the decline in this country's quality of life partly on the racism propagated by Rutman's .letter and its assertions that non-African Americans are hostile racists. Kenneth Campbell College of General Studies '97