Madison Kwiecinski 

News Editor

Mvk5945@psu.edu 

Martin Luther King Day, which fell this year on January 17, is a holiday meant to commemorate an important figure and to reflect on the general progress we as a society have made toward becoming a more equitable and inclusive environment for all. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy was one of fighting for equal rights, and for overcoming diversity. Each year it should mark a day of remembrance and celebration.

On January 17th, Penn State held a variety of events to celebrate and commemorate the day across all of its many campuses. However, these celebrations were tarnished by an act of hate that President Eric Barron addressed in an email that went out to all Penn State students. 

A “hate filled email” reportedly went out to several hundred members of the student body on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Barron stated in the apology that, “I renounce all the content in this racist, hate-filled email, and it deserves no public airing.”

The school has not released any of the contents of the email that was sent nor have they announced the name of the sender. There are no plans for them to do so, with the reason given being that they, “refuse to give credence to this individual’s repulsive note or provide a larger platform for the false and offensive narrative that was written.” 

The message was timed in order to hurt those intentionally on a day meant to be celebrated, and the Penn State community recognizes that this is something that cannot be ignored. The email also stated that the school understands the message was meant to, “hurt, intimidate, denigrate and harm members of our community.” 

Penn State has taken action, hoping to turn this moment of hate into one that brings the school closer together overall. The school has said they will use this deeply troubling event as a way to encourage equity, peace and justice at Penn State. 

The school has been reaching out to those who were known recipients of the hate-filled email, and has offered their support. The Office of Equity and Diversity as well as personnel counseling is always available for those who need it, especially in situations such as these. The PSU Office of Educational Equity can be reached at 814-865-5906.

President Barron also mentioned in the email that Penn State has asked the IT Department to look into the person responsible for the mass email that was sent out. Students are asked to understand that, however, it is possible for the IP address or location of the sender to have been masked. 

President Barrons email ended with a quote from Dr. King, which stated, “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” Penn State students are reminded to speak out when faced with adversity, and to remember they are not alone.