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Hate mail stuns Doane professor

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By MELISSA LEE / Lincoln Journal Star

Thursday, Nov 01, 2007 - 12:01:44 am CDT

CRETE — It was a Monday.

After coming home from work at Doane College, Marilyn Johnson-Farr stepped out to grab the mail.

Flipping through the envelopes in her Lincoln living room, the education professor stopped at one with no return address.

Story Photo
Doane students have been putting up anti-hate signs on campus, including this one near the office of Professor Marilyn Johnson-Farr in the Chab Weyers Education Building. (Robert Becker)
You can help

Anyone with information on the hate mail that was sent to Doane College professor Marilyn Johnson-Farr last November is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers at (402) 475-3600.

Minorities at Doane

Doane College in recent years has placed higher importance on recruiting a diverse student body. The college’s efforts appear to be paying off:
  • 1997: 8.8 percent of freshmen were minorities
  • 1998: 3.8 percent
  • 1999: 6.2 percent
  • 2000: 5.4 percent
  • 2001: 6.8 percent
  • 2002: 5.1 percent
  • 2003: 8.0 percent
  • 2004: 11.8 percent
  • 2005: 8.0 percent
  • 2006: 15.4 percent
  • 2007: 13.1 percent
Source: Doane College

Must be an invitation, she thought.

“Dr. Johnson-Farr Far Away,” it began. “If you feel so unwelcome at Doane, get the f—- out. We are well on our way to a diverse community and do not need your whining token-ass around here anymore.”

The letter accused her of “undercutting” Doane President Jonathan Brand’s diversity plan and called the Rev. Karla Cooper, the campus chaplain and a close friend of Johnson-Farr’s, a “pity hire.”

It was signed, “The Faculty for a New Doane.”

Johnson-Farr’s head spun.

Her husband, standing in the dining room, saw the look on her face. She began to read the letter aloud.

Call the police, he said. That’s a hate crime.

That was last November.

Johnson-Farr — a 14-year veteran of Doane and the only black faculty member there — only recently has gone public with what happened that day, hoping word of mouth might help the Lincoln Police Department investigation that so far hasn’t tracked down the perpetrator.

She’s also hoping that public knowledge of the letter will serve as a gut-checking reminder to the Doane community about the work that remains to improve race relations, evidenced by a new campus climate survey that shows nearly one in five students is “resentful” of those from different racial or ethnic backgrounds and four-fifths think racial or ethnic conflicts exist.

“I know there are probably conversations saying, ‘Just let it go,’” Johnson-Farr said. “But there is sweetness in the struggle.

“How can you change something if people don’t know?”

Faculty have rallied in support of Johnson-Farr and Cooper, unanimously passing a resolution last month condemning the hate mail. So have students, who are asking the entire campus to dress in black on Friday in a show of opposition to hate crimes.

Fliers advertising the “blackout,” as well as posters reading, “Doane students do NOT think hate crimes are OK,” adorned Doane’s walls this week, outward signs the campus steadfastly has rejected the notion it’s an unfriendly place for minorities.

Indeed, much of the campus was affected by the hate mail, said Maureen Franklin, vice president of academic affairs and dean of the faculty.

“Faculty were deeply shocked and disturbed,” Franklin said. “Each one of us felt that pain.”

Before last fall, administrators say, they had no indication someone on campus might not have been on board with the private college’s ambitious plans to increase diversity, which included heavier out-of-state recruiting and expanded international programs.

The efforts have paid off, especially since Brand’s arrival in July 2005. The share of minority freshmen has jumped from 8.8 percent in 1997 to 13.1 percent this fall.

To be sure, a more unique mix of students is coming to Crete — not only in racial terms but also in terms of geography, religion and economics — but some students say tensions between races still exist.

Senior Kyle Coffie, an exercise science major from Kansas City, Kan., said he and his friends have been accused of being “too loud” in a residence-hall lobby when other students were just as loud in their own rooms.

“It’s just the little things sometimes,” Coffie said.

He said he wasn’t shocked when he heard Johnson-Farr had received hate mail.

“History repeats itself.”

Small acts of vandalism have occurred on campus recently, too, said Jessie Myles, Doane’s part-time diversity consultant.

Last year, a student made a poster promoting Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and someone wrote over the words: “Happy James Earl Ray Day.”

Posters from the campus’ gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered student alliance also have been defaced, Myles said. This spring, students organized a campus forum to discuss GLBT issues.

“I don’t want to say that (Doane) is not a welcoming institution,” Myles said. “It could be, as most institutions could be, more welcoming.”

Sophomore Brittany Jones, an international business major, admitted coming to Crete from Omaha was a culture shock.

Back home, her school boasted a good racial mix. Now she’s sometimes the only minority in her entire class.

Yet she calls Doane a friendly campus overall.

“People must have too much time on their hands,” Jones said of the writer or writers of the hate mail. “You can’t do anything about those people.”

In the climate survey, led by sociology Professor Danelle DeBoer, three-fifths of students said a multicultural course should be required at Doane.

Coffie thinks that’s a great idea.

“People can ask questions, get all their biased thoughts out there,” he said.

The campus also is considering hiring a chief diversity officer, someone whose full-time focus would be climate and diversity issues.

It will continue to bring a wide variety of speakers to campus and to send its students on eye-opening academic trips, such as the one this past winter that sent a group to Alabama and Tennessee to explore the roots of the civil rights movement.

And Brand has no intention of letting up on his push for a more diverse campus.

In fact, he said, if there’s any good to be drawn from the hate mail, perhaps it showed that the campus has begun to achieve its mission.

“It’s good that people are talking about this,” Brand said. “It may put people out of their comfort zone, but this is important.

“(The letter) is a sign that there’s work to be done. It’s also a sign, I’ll be honest, that we’re making progress.”

Reach Melissa Lee at 473-2682 or mlee@journalstar.com.


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Me wrote on November 1, 2007 12:18 am:
" The letter is completely disgusting, but I'm not sure it constitutes an actual crime. Maybe parts of the letter are left out, but what is included in this article doesn't indicate any threatening language. Hate mail, but not a hate crime. Nevertheless, it makes me want to puke. "

Question wrote on November 1, 2007 12:22 am:
" Are we talking just one letter? If so, yes, get over it. And of course the police won't be able to find the perpetrator, because it's one letter with no return address. Now, if you get several letters, or one every day, THEN you make a fuss. Is it right? No, but it's also pretty petty. "

Good Life Nebraska wrote on November 1, 2007 1:38 am:
" Cowardly acts like sending an anonymous hate letter is very distressing to the receiver. It feels like a punch in the gut. To me, it's not surprising. I was a recipient of hate mail because of a Letter to the Editor submission I had published a couple years ago. The subject of my letter was Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender issues. "

PB&J wrote on November 1, 2007 1:57 am:
" Dr. Johnson-Farr, It is a shame that you must deal with this sh*t. I think you did everyone a great service by making these letters public. "

Hate Crime? wrote on November 1, 2007 3:24 am:
" Look, I think there are more constructive ways to get your point across, but to send a letter and then call it a "hate crime" just doesn't make sense to me. How exactly is it illegal? What law did the person break? What is the possible punishments? I think people would label almost EVERYTHING a hate crime if they could. This person killed his girlfriend because he HATED her coming out to him and declaring herself a lesbian. A son kills his parents and he did it because his dad molested him as a child. Oops, must be a hate crime. He hates pedophiliac molesters. Are all the people around the globe who hate someone else for SOME REASON committing a hate crime? It's ridiculous in this p.c. world to now be declaring our very THOUGHTS are suddenly a crime. I won't defend the letter, but I'll forever defend their right to say what they want. It's called freedom of speech and I will defend it to the death. "

Doug wrote on November 1, 2007 5:28 am:
" What exactly is so important about forcing diversity? Acceptance will come all by itself over time. The public whining about being a "minority" is exactly what makes some people different while they claim they want to be equal. Those that pull up their bootstraps and work their way to equality have no complaints. So the lady was insulted. Big deal. I am insulted by this totally stupid article and her totally selfish reaction to the written opinion of a single person. How does a letter expressing a minority opinion constitute a hate crime when we are apparently trying to give minorities an equal opportunity in society? So you think I am a ignorant bigot? No. I just invest my time on issues and events where I can have a direct POSITIVE impact. Absolutely no way will this episode ever lead to conviction as a hate crime. "

I Always Knew It wrote on November 1, 2007 5:38 am:
" Beneath that nice Midwestern facade, there is a lot of hate in Nebraska. "

Husker Neocon wrote on November 1, 2007 5:54 am:
" I think the letter she receieved hardly rises to a "hate crime"- I don't think there was anything criminal at all. What she should have done is throw it away in the trash, where it belongs. "

adsf wrote on November 1, 2007 7:08 am:
" This could have been written to anyone. too bad doanes colors are black anyway.. want more diversity? Dont charge $25,000 a semester... "

jeanette wrote on November 1, 2007 7:18 am:
" Everyone is prejudice! It is your responsibility to behave in a way that no one is able to discover those feelings. Apparently some on the campus of Doane College, Crete are not smart enough to know this. "

A hate crime? wrote on November 1, 2007 7:42 am:
" Really? I think that's a bit of a stretch. "

Scott wrote on November 1, 2007 7:59 am:
" You know, it was only one noose hung around someone's door. Let it go. You're overreacting. It was only one cross burning. What's all the fuss about? We have been dealing with ignorance over racial issues for hundreds of years, so it will work itself out if we don't press the issue. There are frighteningly ignorant people out there and from some of the posts here, they are not afraid to demonstrate it. "

Kristine wrote on November 1, 2007 8:09 am:
" There is a lot of bigotry generated, and apparently allowed at the Doane campus. I know of homosexual slang painted on dorm doors, and little effort made to clean it up. I'm glad this has come out, (though ultimately saddened) because obviously Doane has a problem with tolerance issues, and I hope this is addressed. "

Dumb wrote on November 1, 2007 8:18 am:
" I think it is sort of ironic that everything this person said in the letter was about her claiming discrimination and the way I take it they think she is using her race as a way to get ahead. Then she gets the letter and instantly claims its a hate crime. Sounds to me like the person might be right. It is not against the law to tell someone what was said in the letter atleast not what was said in this article. "

Not hatin wrote on November 1, 2007 8:21 am:
" We're all just writing one anonymous letter here, and hopefully no one will assume we have hate in our hearts for doing so. No threats were made in the letter the good Doctor allowed us to see, so it probably wasn't a crime. But there was a lot of hate in the writer's thoughts. An ethical writer isn't one who simply represents their thoughts -- it's one who tries to serve as a positive example for others. I wish more anonymous letter writers felt that way. "

Lisa wrote on November 1, 2007 8:28 am:
" I can not believe some of the comments I am reading. I guess you must all be white. A friend of mine graduated from Doane this spring - I saw mostly white people but had no idea this community bred this kind of behavior. It is almost 2008! Reading about this kind of behavior (and reaction) reinforces the fact I will never visit your town, ever. "

CSS wrote on November 1, 2007 8:33 am:
" Nothing like waking up to a morning full of more hatred, bigotry and thinly veiled racism on the Journal Star comments section. I can't even believe some of the posts I'm reading here. Are you guys for real? The LJS should seriously consider changing their website name to something more fitting, like "The ignorance and intolerance forum." "

CS wrote on November 1, 2007 8:33 am:
" First of all Doane doesn't charge "25,000 a semester". They do not charge much more or less than Wesleyan, Hastings, or Dana-i'm not really sure what your point is regarding the relationship between cost and diversity. The definition, in part, of a hate crime is: "Any act of intimidation, harassment, physical force or threat of physical force directed against any person, or gamely, or their property or advocate, motivated either in whole or in part by hostility to their real or perceived race, ethnic background, religious belief, sex, age, disability, or sexual orientation, with the intention of causing fear or intimidation, or to deter the free exercise or enjoyment of any rights or privileges secured by the Constitution or the laws of the United States" so the letter, in trying to be intimidating does fall under the definition of a hate crime. I'm white and grew up in Chicago and I see this stuff every day here. It is important, Doug, to force the idea and realization of diversity, because sometimes people need to be brought into the 21st century-where the Earth is round and whether you like it or not the success of the United States rests in part with the acceptance of those peoples and ideas from other races and belief systems. One of the benefits of a Lib Arts education is that most graduates become students of the world. Small wonder they leave NE when they complete their degrees. "

JJ wrote on November 1, 2007 8:46 am:
" If that is all the letter said, it doesn't sound like a "hate letter" and it doesn't sound threatening at all. It sounds like someone is just plain sick and tired of whining. It sounds to me like they are making this a bigger deal than it really is. "

Dan wrote on November 1, 2007 9:04 am:
" Hate crime???? Where was the threat of bodily harm? "

LOL wrote on November 1, 2007 9:30 am:
" So by her logic, if someone disagrees with you, your ideals, or politics it's a hate crime? Wow, think of all the people commiting hate crimes on a daily basis against President Bush and VP Dick Cheney!!! It's obvious she's trying to get her 15 minutes of fame, and now, she's got it. "

dtfw wrote on November 1, 2007 9:39 am:
" Don't single out Doane College. This is a reflection of the entire state of Nebraska and the Midwest as a whole. Did you know that the Doane students selected a woman of color as their Homecoming Queen? And it was no big deal! I didn't even hear a comment made. How many others can say that???? I agree that it's an overreaction to call it a hate crime. "

JD wrote on November 1, 2007 9:45 am:
" Where is the hate crime here? Just sounds like a mean letter to me... "

Doane Alum wrote on November 1, 2007 9:51 am:
" It's disheartening to read about this happening at my alma mater. Even more so to read some of these comments. It's something that will always exist in society, hopefully the students are able to look within themselves and learn what it means to truly treat people as equals. "

hate is hate wrote on November 1, 2007 9:59 am:
" Dr. Farr, I'm sorry that you have to experience the ignorance of others on this level. To everyone else...hate is hate, weather it's 'only' a comment, one letter, or twelve letters. If we think one letter is okay - and don't set limits, where does it end, and what message are we sending. Irregardless of weather or not this will be found as a hate crime or not - we should be appalled that this even happened in OUR community. "

Crete resident wrote on November 1, 2007 10:00 am:
" How sad that this is happening in 2007. When it's legally a "hate crime" or not, it's totally disgusting. Crete is a nice town. However, having lived here for a few years, I must say that I'm not totally surprised this has happened. There are many forms of disgrimation and this is just one. We are a white family, and have felt less than part of the community because of our fiances. It's such a shame that in a small community we can't band together, help one another and welcome people into our community. "

Shameful wrote on November 1, 2007 10:07 am:
" Yeah, beneath the "socalled" midwestern facade, there IS ALOT of hate in Nebraska. I'm not a minority, but I was so glad to get out of this state after I got out of high school, I couldn't run fast enough!! I then lived in other cities and went to their colleges and never ran into the hate there is in Nebraska nor the discrimination! That IS a hate crime. The lady is a Professor and a HUMAN BEING. It is not a petty gesture! Unfortunately, those hateful youth become and ARE and HAVE BEEN the stubborn adults this state has as its leaders!! "

Brian in Lincoln wrote on November 1, 2007 10:12 am:
" Diversity is really adversity when it is force fed to you. It is a shame that instead of allowing people to see things for what they are and make up their own minds about something, it has to be force fed to them. I imagine a lot of people don't like this and for some, the letter they sent was their way of saying so. Some people need to learn that others are not going to be accepting of their cultures, religions, race, language, values, lifestyles regardless of how much you preach about it. Is this right..not really, is is a crime....far from it. "

Generational Gaps wrote on November 1, 2007 10:23 am:
" Ironically enough, the students are Doane aren't the ones having trouble with diversity! They support it, and the generation that is leading the school (aka professors and administrators) obviously has some issues as there are no multicultural classes, etc. It is time for you older generations to grow up and realize that yes, the world is chaging, and yes, you might actually have to accept someone of a different race. "

Assumptions wrote on November 1, 2007 10:26 am:
" Jeanette, what you are saying is the reason why prejudice and racism ARE a problem today. If everyone would stop hiding their problems inside, face them, and get the hell over them, prejudice and discrimination would no longer be a problem! Suppressing the issue actually makes it worse...but I guess that's hard to understand for someone who can't overcome their own personal prejudices. "

Christine wrote on November 1, 2007 10:30 am:
" It is extremely unfortunate that this happened. I hope everything works out well for Dr. Johnson-Farr, and the situation is satisfactorily resolved. That being said, I wish Journal Star would have done a better job reporting. Instead of searching for reactionary statements from the public that doesn't understand the levity of the situation, perhaps you could have explained the possible crimes. Slander is not protected by the First Amendment, and truthfully, I don't know much about Nebraska hate crime laws. If you would have done your job, perhaps everyone could have walked away from this situation a little more educated. Racism in Nebraska? No duh. Why not make more of a point than, "Hey, this is sensational! We'll get attention!" If Dr. Johnson-Farr wished to open discussion and understanding, I feel sorry for that fact that she chose the wrong venue. "

Reader wrote on November 1, 2007 10:32 am:
" Freedom of speech is not a "right" when it is used as an excuse to hide behind b/c one has a total lack of class or manners. Pathetic, and will fight that one to the end! "

PR wrote on November 1, 2007 10:42 am:
" Thinking of hiring a "Chief Diversity Officer?" Doane should have called the FBI first. "

To Doug wrote on November 1, 2007 10:54 am:
" Let me guess? White Republican Male. Right? Words written as only a white man can do. Try heading down south and living in a community where the majority is a different color and Race. Then you might just begin to have an understanding of the problem. "

Good ol' Doane wrote on November 1, 2007 10:58 am:
" In response to adsf's comment about Doane's colors and price, you reference "black", but use the word "colors", which is plural. We are black and orange,and I see no reason to focus on one particular color, especially since your grammar is incorrect. Secondly, no educational institution in this state (or many others, for that matter) charge $25,000 a semester. That is an annual tuition amount and considering more than 92% of students at Doane receive financial aid of some type, there are very few students who are considered "full pays". Don't criticize the institution for one individual's actions, and brush up on your English while you're at it. "

It IS a hate crime... wrote on November 1, 2007 11:02 am:
" ...because it's considered harassment (which is a crime), and it is a HATE crime because she is a minority, and the letter clearly indicates that that is the only reason she received it. I believe it's the phrase "your whining token-a**" that really shows it's because she's black (as in "token black guy," most commonly referred to in entertainment). If this letter had been sent based solely on her opinions, then it wouldn't be a hate crime. Jeez, people, EDUCATE YOURSELVES! Besides, the police department obviously considers it a hate crime. Are you going to argue the point with them? Oh wait, you hate the police too, I keep forgetting that. "

JCB wrote on November 1, 2007 11:08 am:
" Hate to see something like this happen here. How low can people go to show their stupidity! "

PL wrote on November 1, 2007 11:11 am:
" Show the letter to Earnie Chambers, he collects them. "

Ric wrote on November 1, 2007 11:32 am:
" Don't make a mountain out of a mole hill. "

Gerard Harbison wrote on November 1, 2007 11:47 am:
" It's not a crime. The writer is entitled to his/her opinion and to express same. In any case, a high percentage of letters of this sort turn out to be hoaxes intended to 'consciousness-raise'. "

Sick & Tired wrote on November 1, 2007 11:49 am:
" No if it would have been an American, White, Christian, hetrosexual, Male, The words Hate Crime Never Would Have Come Up. Let it go for goodness sake. "

mike wrote on November 1, 2007 11:51 am:
" The letter is pathetic, disgusting and classless. However, almost as disturbing as the letter is the quick reaction to call it a hate crime. Ask yourself this...if a 'white' person received that letter should it be any less disturbing or worthy of a hate crime status? Diversity is good -- artifically creating it is bad. "

You all should be ahsamed. wrote on November 1, 2007 12:01 pm:
" It's really pathetic that this predominately white reaction believes they have any clue what constitutes a hate crime. I'm sorry to break it to you, but "freedom of speech" is not a free for all, not even in this country. There are limits to speech, and spewing hate towards a minority is (and should be) punishable through greater means. Why? To protect minorities from the blanket ignorance of the majority. Which seems to be horribly illustrated on this very message board. Society simply isn't smart or sympathetic enough to not have special measures to protect minorities. "

Lucas Peterson wrote on November 1, 2007 12:15 pm:
" Let's not forget that Marilyn Johnson-Farr has the courage and the strength to talk about this! MANY recipients of hate crimes or hate speech (in my opinion they are the same thing) are too afraid to speak out, let alone report the incident to the authorities because of fear for retribution. Thankfully, we do not live in the days where racial hatred was tolerated enough to accept lynchings of African Americans. But clearly this hateful attitude is still prevalent today (even in some of these comments). Yes Doane has some problems with this subject but so does the whole state of Nebraska! There are only two fully racial minorities (Chambers and Aguilar) in the Unicameral and Nebraska might be voting on a ballot initiative that would promote discrimination by reversing affirmative action this next election cycle. The signs for tolerance don't look good here folks, especially when the Legislature enforced the belief that the GLBT community isn't welcomed in Nebraska this past session. Also, not to forget that the Latino community in Nebraska is bombarded with anti-immigrant rhetoric, regardless of the fact if the individual is here legally or illegally. Point is, Nebraska isn't the "Good Life" unless if you are a WASP. Social justice doesn't do any justice when people out-right refuse to recognize that there is a problem to begin with. That, my fellow Nebraskans, is blatant bigotry. "

Lisa wrote on November 1, 2007 12:23 pm:
" I am more offended by these comments. I can't believe I may live next door to some of you people (needless to say probably white) Sure to say, I will never visit Doane again or Crete again. "

Jumping off the hate-crime bandwagon wrote on November 1, 2007 12:37 pm:
" I disagree with those defending Dr. Johnson-Farr. While I am sure she is a fine human being, the simple fact is that this letter is not a hate-crime. It may have been rude, crude, and inappropriate, but nothing more. Dr. Johnson-Farr should know that by invoking a term such as 'hate-crime' AND all the societal baggage that goes with it, she is not furthering diversity, but rather polarizing everyone (read through the comments here if you don't believe me!). She has successfully made a bad situation much, much worse. "

CC wrote on November 1, 2007 12:44 pm:
" I had Dr. Johnson-Farr as a 5th grade teacher almost 14 years ago, she is a great lady and does not deserve that letter, nor does she deserve some of the comments listed below. What is most shocking is that those who say, “It’s not a big deal, and hate crimes do not exist” those are the ones you need to be scared of! They are stuck in the 1950’s, and probably feel we all should still be drinking from separate water fountains! This sickens me that Nebraska still has its blinders on! GET IT TOGETHER PEOPLE! "

T wrote on November 1, 2007 1:03 pm:
" That sounds like a hate crime to me, or reverse discrimination. Society these days is a joke. If everyone wasnt so concerned about everyone elses feelings maybe we could actually get something done about the real problems our country faces like hunger, poverty and the like. "

Jason wrote on November 1, 2007 1:06 pm:
" "Hate crime" may be an overstatement but nevertheless the letter is uncalled for and very much out of line. She has been there for 14 years so its very odd the letter would come now. One thing it does show is the nastiness and racism still so prevalent in Nebraska. There is a very strong undercurrent of it everywhere. "

Marky Mark wrote on November 1, 2007 1:25 pm:
" The letter was close to being a terroristic threat and it was sent to her because she is black...If that's not in the definition of a hate crime, I don't know what is. Whats sad is so many Hicks here in Nebraska still don't know how to handle that fact that Black People live here. Get used to it rednecks. Jesus Christ would not be happy with you and you know who you are. "

jl wrote on November 1, 2007 1:32 pm:
" I think something like this should just be ignored. If you give them press, you are giving them attention and it will feed the fire. Others will probably do it now. Sometimes saying nothing is the best policy. "

Karl wrote on November 1, 2007 1:32 pm:
" Is thinly-veiled racism even a surprise anymore on these boards? After articles about immigration every day essentially I've gathered that, in Nebraska, unless you're white, speak perfect English and christian we don't want you here. "

Society of victims wrote on November 1, 2007 1:36 pm:
" I think we detract from inclusiveness, when we take relatively minor situations and blow them out of proportion. Did anyone like the whiny kid in school? The one who always ran to the teacher because they were being picked-on? Ever notice that when someone complains of being picked-on, they tend to get picked-on even more? If you make yourself out to be a victim, there is usually someone out there who is willing to victimize you. "

Whats really shocking... wrote on November 1, 2007 1:42 pm:
" Is that one can say that based on one basic opinion (this letter is not a hate crime) that they are suddenly racist and therefore are ignorant and therefore are god awful human beings and need to educate themselves. That is SO far from the truth. If someone were to come on here and say racially charged things...yes, they would be racist and ignorant, but they aren't. They are questioning whether it is a hate crime...and the fact is folks, its not. Its a terrible letter to send, but White Christians get similar treatment in forms of those letters. They don't get the same vitriolic diatribes elsewhere...they don't suffer what blacks suffer...but letters like that happen to them as well. Would that be a hate crime? No, because it doesn't involve a minority...but it fits the all the other parameters. And Lisa...we get it. You aren't going to Crete. No one else cares. Two posts aren't necessary to state an opinion that no one cares about. "

marcel killsenemy wrote on November 1, 2007 1:45 pm:
" most of these comments are not surprising at all considering the fact most people seemed to overllok the fact the article indicated that evidenced by a new campus climate survey that nearly one in five students is “resentful” of those from different racial or ethnic backgrounds and four-fifths think racial or ethnic conflicts exist. "

Matt wrote on November 1, 2007 1:47 pm:
" Its not about "being white". The letter doesn't have anything that is threatening in it. Yes, the letter is disgustingly ignorant, but, unless there is some more to the letter that the paper didn't publish, how is it illegal?? Anyone can send a letter to someone and put things in it that offends someone. Simply saying things that the reader thinks are rude do no constitute a "hate crime". Yes, bring it to the public's attention but I'm not sure why the police are involved. For what?? The guy/girl won't be charged with anything. "

Doane Student wrote on November 1, 2007 2:13 pm:
" I am absolutely horified by the comments made by the readers of this article. Dr. Johnson-Farr is an excellent teacher and a very nice woman. Telling her to "get over it" or that "it's not a big deal" is ridiculous. When somone's very character and being is undermined by someone else, even in an anonymous letter it can be a crushing blow to one's self esteem and self-worth. There is a large majority of conservative minded people at this institution that seem to be stuck in a world where segregation still exists and where it's okay to express hatred towards a group of people simply because of their skin color, nationality, or sexual orientation. In an institution of higher learning I believe that this way of thinking is unacceptable. You can still be accepting and conservative...don't get me wrong I'm not trying to push a liberal agenda here, I'm just saying that you can be compassionate towards all and still be conservative. It seems this year that the hatred on campus is getting worse. For national coming out day the PRIDE (People Respecting Individuals at Doane and Everywhere) group on campus used sidewalk chalk and wrote GLBT quotes on the patio outside of our campus center. These were immediately defaced by haters. The Doane Students Do NOT think hate crimes are okay posters (one of which is seen in this article) were also defaced. Some idiot crossed out the NOT on one of the posters. This poster was taken and attatched to a sheet of paper and left in the campus center with a marker so people could leave their thoughts about the vandelism. Hopefully people will learn that this kind of action is not okay. I just want to say that President Brand's comment at the end of the article saying that the letter showed Doane was making progress was shocking. How does a letter full of bigotry and hatred show that we are making strides toward a more diverse campus?! "

Phiil wrote on November 1, 2007 2:14 pm:
" jl, if you ignore crimes, doesn't that give criminals a feeling of free reign in society? Yes, give this incident press! Look how the students of Doane have responded due to it's publicity. The only fire that this publicity is feeding is a fire of righteous indignation towards all that is discriminatory. "

Doane Graduate wrote on November 1, 2007 2:28 pm:
" This type of press makes it appear that Doane Lincoln included is racist. Lincoln is a wonderful campus and I do not see any of the issues that Crete has in Lincoln. I do agree though that Lincoln could be more diverse! "

Marky Mark wrote on November 1, 2007 2:37 pm:
" I would say "Get the F*** out" is threatening. If you got a letter saying that I think you might feel threatened. "

Doanet Get It wrote on November 1, 2007 2:48 pm:
" At Doane the students are like family. This issue is not news to them as they were made fully aware of it long ago. Like a family they dealt with it. They assessed, consulted each other and pressed on with the work at hand, their educations. Trust me when I say if they perceived this a viable threat against one of their family or the home that Doane has become for them, you would have a different headline. Doane boasts some of the best and brightest minds you would hope to encounter on a college campus, do not underestimate them. As a community they have dealt with this issue. When all the press is milked from this, and who ever the sorry jerk is that started it does his or her victory dance for achieving notoriety maybe everyone else can follow their leads and get on with their lives and work to affect a positive change in this world around you. Or perhaps you are happier stuck right where you are, just trading hate and suspicion? If that is the case please stay away from our family. We do not share your values. "

Capt Obvious wrote on November 1, 2007 2:52 pm:
" FYI, notice that it didn't have a return address. Unless this person is working for the USPS (& "The Faculty..."), no return address tells me that messing with a mailbox & / or it's contents IS a crime. Without question, there "presumably" is more to the letter that LJS editors are leaving out. "

Not a Nebraskan wrote on November 1, 2007 3:00 pm:
" Once again People are quick to judge without all the facts. LOL. Wait till you see the full letter. "

nikki wrote on November 1, 2007 3:00 pm:
" To assumptions.. deep down in your heart you know that you have prejudices, they are evident in the tone of your comments. Recognizing them, knowing that they are just feelings and behaving in a appropriate way toward other human beings can go a long way. There is a lot of emotion in most of the comments, and being courteous to others opinions, even if you disagree, is the only way to move forward. I don't see that in you comments. Just judgement and anger. "

Husker Neocon wrote on November 1, 2007 3:14 pm:
" I cant believe the ignorance in the comments on this page. While I think the letter was horrible, and disklike to cowardice shown by sending it annonymously, IT IS NOT A CRIME. There were no threats, merely stupid statements. While it offends most of us, it isnt a criminal problem. To call those of us who state this as "racist" is stooping to the same level as the letter writer. "

Get Over It wrote on November 1, 2007 3:19 pm:
" What's the big deal, let it go! I'm sure worse things have been said to her, or about her during or after class. "

Dear Doug wrote on November 1, 2007 3:26 pm:
" Easy for a white man in this society to say. I don't think you caught what was actually said in the article or the letter at ALL. Until you can walk a mile in someone else's shoes......and I highly doubt you're capable of that. "

Doc wrote on November 1, 2007 3:48 pm:
" We are more alike or different according to blood type than we are to skin color. We are more alike or different according to whether we are followers of Jesus or not. This letter is an example of "I need to appear better than someone" that has promoted by the lowest of the low whites. "

Alan wrote on November 1, 2007 4:02 pm:
" A Hate crime? I hardly think so. What happened to Channon Christian and Christopher Newsom, an event that went unreported by the mainstream news including this paper, was a hate crime. Sending a letter, no matter how offensive, is just that offensive. Try running for political office and see how fun a trip to the mailbox can be. "

Doane Student wrote on November 1, 2007 4:03 pm:
" As a Doane student, I have been disgusted with the hateful actions that have happened at my school. However, I am more disgusted with some of the comments left here. If you knew Marilyn at all you would be ashamed of yourselves. She caring woman, a wonderful mentor and an amazing educator for future teachers. Through all of this she has remained strong. As for those who say that they will never visit Crete or Doane, how ignorant are you? Do you really think that this is only happening here? It happens everywhere. It happens where you live, but not everyone is as brave as Marilyn to bring it up so that one day all of this will stop. Doane has so much to offer. The number of minority students is going up. The friends I have at my hometown are all white, straight Christians. When I came here I became friends with people who were of many different races, religions and orientations. "

Wow wrote on November 1, 2007 4:03 pm:
" How is blaming things on whites and calling people Hicks any better than the person who wrote the letter? Just because one is of a minority group doesnt make it okay for them to discriminate against someone else for being white. Just like everyone else, you cant choose how you were made. And to use Jesus in the same comment as calling people Hicks, wow, I cant even find the words to say to that. "

Disgusted with ignorant comments wrote on November 1, 2007 4:26 pm:
" A hate crime is "intended to hurt and intimidate someone because of their race, ethnicity, national origin, religious, sexual orientation, or disability." So yes, it IS a hate crime. Those of you saying that it isn't, that she needs to get over it, etc. I am guessing are NOT minorities, racially, ethnically, sexually, and so on. (Or if you are, no one knows it.) Put yourself in that situation for a day. Know what it feels like to have the other people at the restaurant scowling at you because you are a minority dating a white person. Find out what it feels like to have your art or your efforts defaced because people are intolerant. Find out what it is like to be a minority...and then comment. Stop being ignorant, because it's not bliss. Oh, and diversity and acceptance will not come in time. Can you say "the South?" I'm sure they would have accepted the blacks eventually and set them free on their own. Oh yeah. Grow up. "

Wake-up and smell the lack of tolerance wrote on November 1, 2007 4:31 pm:
" Wake Up, Lincoln. You people follow chillingly non-inclusive policies. UNL even uses their police to collect information on perceived "protected class" people, seeing no conflict of interest in mixing discipline with the voluntary and confidential EEO arms of the school. Real progressive, huh!! "

Reader wrote on November 1, 2007 4:32 pm:
" Dear Doane Student, I think you missed the point in what the President was saying in the article. It is because Doane has focused on increasing the diversity on campus. Things are changing enough from the past, that someone was bothered enough that they wrote the letter. I encourage you to talk to the President. "

zorc wrote on November 1, 2007 4:33 pm:
" A hate crime is meant to cause intimidation, targeting someone because of a certain group they belong to, it doesn't have to have a threat. No one has to say "I'm going to hurt you", they just have to intimidate you by saying "I hate you, you're not wanted here, get out". But I'm sure everyone belonging to the majority here knows exactly what is intimidating for the only black faculty member there, so they can totally judge how it feels to be targeted for being different, right? "

plenty of assumptions wrote on November 1, 2007 4:41 pm:
" And what if the person that wrote the letter turned out to be of a minority race? Does that still make the letter a 'hate crime' or discrimination? Everyone 'assumes' it was written by a white hand. "

So why is this a big deal??? wrote on November 1, 2007 4:56 pm:
" There will always be some folks (white, brown, black, yellow, or green) who spend more time whining than just doing their jobs. Too often, this is often just a cover for incompetence or laziness. Other than the unnecessary profanity, there is nothing wrong with the letter in question. It simply states an opinion - whether that opinion is popular or not. "

BN wrote on November 1, 2007 5:12 pm:
" I am a student of Johnson-Farr and I think it is terrible what some of you people are saying. She is one of my favorite professors and has had a large impact on the way I look at things. If some of you got a letter saying what the letter said you would not be happy and just let it go. This is definitely a hate crime! Johnson-Farr is a wonderful woman and is only trying to help people understand and have an open mind. I'm sure most of you that have posted are white because of how terrible the comments are. With most of the comments made it shows that many people are still narrow minded. If an African American sent something like this to a white person, the white person would not let anything be settled until the person who sent it was found. This is what Johnson-Farr is doing. Even if the person is not found, she knows that it has opened eyes of the Doane campus and many others. I support her in every way and I know she is making a difference. "

BN wrote on November 1, 2007 5:18 pm:
" AND.. I'm white. I stand for everything that she says. Some of you need to have an open mind and stop living in the past. "

Skeptical wrote on November 1, 2007 6:34 pm:
" I'm sorry but with the hoaxes that have gone on concerning hate mail, I have a hard time believing these stories anymore. There are too many people who want to relive the 50s and 60s, whether it is to hold on to their power or make money off of the strife. "

Concerned wrote on November 1, 2007 6:47 pm:
" It saddens me to see that this kind of thing happens today. People here do not condone this and this is not representative of the Doane or Crete communities. "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" pretty much says it all. How can we judge anyone until we have been in their shoes? "

Joel wrote on November 1, 2007 6:49 pm:
" Marilyn, We're so glad you are our neighbor. Joel, Molly and Kausik "

two sides wrote on November 1, 2007 8:46 pm:
" I'd sure like to know what class discussion provoked this reaction in a student. The knee-jerk reaction is to see the student as the one with the problem, but the fact remains that we don't really know what happened. Just because the professor in question is African American and a woman does not mean that HER words cannot be hurtful or out of line. I'm just baffled by how resolute the responses are below when we simply don't know enough to render a judgment. This could have been as simple as an angry student who was sick of blame assignment and who lashed out in a really immature way. For the record...I'm a female educator with minority status. Oh, and shame on you LJS for only printing the salacious aspects of the letter instead of letting us see it in it's entirety so the context could truly be gleaned. Nice job pandering to the "Enquirer" crowd! "

SF wrote on November 1, 2007 8:56 pm:
" Maybe we should let our police officers investigate real crimes, and not bog them down with nonsense like this. "

Saddened by NE wrote on November 1, 2007 9:52 pm:
" I think many people need to look up the definition of hate crime. It does not just mean "bodily harm." Before giving your opinion, make sure you've been educated. This was not the full letter, and yes, the letter did include much, much more. It's sad to think we should just drop this...it is the year 2007. Dr.King was at rest after the civil rights movement, and with the recent problems in the US, he's probably rolling in his grave. Who is in the wrong here? The person who wrote the letter or the woman who was degrated when she read it? I am disturbed by the fact I am 20 years old and I am trying to teach my elders it is not ok to be harrassed. "

Am educated wrote on November 1, 2007 10:58 pm:
" "Saddened by NE", you should probably become educated. Yes, a "hate crime" does involve more things that bodily harm. However, it still requires an underlying crime. Telling someone to get the F--- out does not constitute a crime unless there is an associated threat. I have a law degree...does that give me enough "education" to speak with you on the matter? May be you should get educated. Everyone on here has said the published parts of the letter are disgusting...the argument has pretty much been whether or not they are illegal, which they are not. Now there may be more to the letter, but without that its pure conjecture. There is no mention of more to the letter in this article, thus the public has nothing to base there opinions on. They are basing their opinions on the information in the above article, and NOTHING in the above article would form the elements necessary for a hate crime. Yes, its disgusting, but the published portions are not illegal. Before telling everyone else to check their facts you might want to do a little legal research yourself. "

Doane Graduate and Person of Color wrote on November 1, 2007 11:17 pm:
" Words can not express what I feel about the issue of discrimination and hatred on Doane-Crete's campus. I am person of color and I graduated from Doane-Crete in 2003. This is the same kind of acts of hatred that were happening during my time at Doane. I was naïve at 18 in 1999 going to Doane from Lincoln, after attending one of the most diverse high schools in Lincoln-Lincoln High. I thought that going to an institution for higher learning that people would be more open-minded and accepting, I was wrong. It’s not just about the blatant racist or homophobic incidences that happened on campus but also the subtle things that happened. My friends and I experienced things on campus that were unimaginable in this day and age, unless you are hated and treated with such for something you have no control over you can not understand. Sad to say I feel like nothing was every really done about what happened and most students on campus didn’t even know it was going on, the events were never publicly talked about as a community. I applauded Dr. Marilyn Johnson-Farr’s courage to come forward with this letter. No matter how small others think it is or pity-hatred is hatred and it is unacceptable in this time in our history. It is also sad that Dr. Johnson-Farr is still the only black professor on campus and when I attended was one of few staff and faculty that is a person of color. I am also a former student of Dr. Johnson-Farr’s and I have a lot of respect for her and her tireless work of trying to improve the climate on the Crete campus. Doane-Crete knew the climate of Doane back in 2001 when a small group of students were asked about the climate on a weekend retreat and we