Reply to Open Campus: The debate over the use of Howard's campus by neighbors

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I am alternately fascinated and appalled by this discussion. I am a white relative newcomer to DC who also is a dog owner (though I have never set foot on Howard's campus). I guess the easy fix is one that the university has already undertaken: have a formal position against dogs on campus. I would argue that they should next post signage to that effect. But the bigger issue, to me, is the interplay between existing black institutions and (mostly though not only) white newcomers. [b]Sounds like most long-time neighbors kept away from the campus unless they studied, worked or were otherwise there for a particular reason. The new neighbors assumed that standards from other parts of the city/country regarding use of campus grounds would apply to Howard. I get that there is privilege embedded in that position[/b] -- the idea that the norms I've encountered elsewhere would play well in this new arena. I personally appreciate this debate as a way for me to understand not only that Howard is a special place for the black community but that the physical grounds are treated with reverence and that dogs continue to have a negative association for some. Other than encouraging dialogue, including this kind of forum, I'm not sure how else to address this. It feels completely unrealistic to expect the newcomers to "research" and "respect" their new environments in the way that has been suggested. I've lived in several states and a couple of foreign countries. While I try to be friendly and follow social norms, I'm sure I've missed the boat on those norms many, many times. In short: demographic change is happening in DC, like it or not. Figuring out a way to cope with that change would behoove both sides of the debate.[/quote]

I'm a AA dog owner who commented earlier.  Thanks for your post.  I think you have a good appreciation of the issues here, mostly captured in the bolded.  One issue not mentioned is that black dog owners are not walking through campus and having their dogs relieve themselves, only white dog owners are.  Most black people I know--even those who've attended predominantly white institutions--understand the racial issues overlapping with the dog issue here at Howard.  It's different when white newcomers are perceived to not be showing adequate respect of a revered historically black college in a rapidly gentrifying area.

Also, as a black person with a big dog breed often associated with law enforcement and the Civil Rights movement, I've found that black people are more likely to cross to the other side of the street when they see me coming with my dog than white people.  Yes, some black people have big dogs, but not everyone loves dogs.  I would never think of strolling through an HBCU campus with my dog.

I agree that there's no stopping demographic change.  From the Howard president's statement, it seems like they've already made known that they'd like people to refrain from walking their dogs on campus.  Not sure if they plan on putting signs up, although that may be a good move.[/quote]

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