Empowered Hashtags: Students React to Hanna Strong Video

Unless you've been living under a rock, you've definitely heard of Hanna Strong by now. Strong, a senior on the SU women’s soccer team, called someone a “f*ggot-ass n*gger” in a video posted on Instagram, and later on blacksportsonline.com, last Saturday. The story was immediately picked up by multiple news outlets and made major waves on social media. Director of Athletics Dr. Daryl Gross made a statement announcing Strong's indefinite suspension from the team, while Chancellor Kent Syverud weighed in on the matter the next day, preaching a need for "tolerance and respect" — though it wasn't made clear what we should tolerate here. The Daily Orange published Strong's official statement/apology on Wednesday, but this issue is certainly not put to rest.

In an inspiring turn of events, students are leading the effort to promote a meaningful discussion on racism and homophobia on our campus. SU's NAACP chapter led a meeting on Friday to discuss the issue of respecting diversity on campus, and students, alumni, and faculty have been tweeting/Instagramming all week with the hashtags #SpeakUpSU, #OUTspokenSU, and #ITooAmSU to bring light to these issues and how we can achieve a more just community.

Check out some of the powerful messages below.

Suspension really isn't enough. @SyracuseU needs to take a real stand against racism. #SpeakUpSU #BeingBlackatSU

— kady (@thekadyfiles) September 6, 2014

Remind yourselves that sometimes what we allow today will be what generations after us have to fight on tomorrow #SpeakUpSU #NoTolerance

— Kita Nago (@pattyMayonnais3) September 8, 2014

Sad to hear about a terrible instance of #racism and #homophobia at my alma mater. Syracuse, we're better than this. #SpeakUpSU — Kassie Brabaw (@KassieBrabaw) September 7, 2014

"Hanna Strong got caught on tape..." What are people saying off the cameras? #itooamSU #SpeakUpSU — Karyn Dyer (@THEKarynDyer) September 12, 2014

Even as a junior, I still have to defend the fact that I didn't just get into college because I'm black #ITooAmSU — Cherokee Sequoia (@LadyCherokeeXO) September 8, 2014

I was called a "faggot" by a drunk white male when I called him out for saying "That's so gay" during my second year of college. #ITooAmSU — Jorge Talamantes (@jutalamantes) September 9, 2014

The same white male also threatened to "call the KKK" on me and my friend. But this diverse school is safe for PoC, right? #ITooAmSU — Jorge Talamantes (@jutalamantes) September 9, 2014

We must have a campus-wide open dialogue on the systems of racism and homophobia. The administration MUST take action. #SpeakUpSU — Raul Xavier Ramos (@raulxramos) September 7, 2014

I graduated from Syracuse 30 years ago. Reading #ITooAmSU makes me fear not much has changed since then. — Michael B. Moore (@michael_b_moore) September 9, 2014

When people use the term "race card" its generally used to silence a person of color's opinions w/o letting them speak #ITooAmSU — Taylor (@TaylorAtSU) September 8, 2014

Re: the chancellor's upcoming forum on tolerance. Student: "Has anyone called out that word? I do not want to be 'tolerated.'" #SpeakUpSU — Gabriela Riccardi (@_griccardi) September 12, 2014

The experiences of marginalized @NewhouseSU and @SyracuseU students is something that #faculty should know. #ITooAmSU #SpeakUpSU — Charisse L'Pree, PhD (@charisseiscool) September 12, 2014

Because understanding and respecting cultural diversity should be at the heart of every academic institution. #ITooAmSU — Carina Clores (@heytherecarina) September 12, 2014