University of Indiana Display Used Negative Stereotypes To Ask: Can Santa Claus Be Black?

The University of Indiana ordered the removal this week of a racially charged bulletin board display from a residence hall lobby.

Messages intended to spark discussion are sometimes posted on the bulletin board for the Community Education Program at Foster Residence Center, but students complained about some of the messages posted in response to the question: “Can Santa Claus be a black man?”

The display featured an illustration of a black Santa Claus, and students complained that some of the other questions posed as part of the display served to reinforce negative stereotypes.

“If Santa is a black man, would you let him come down your chimney?” one discussion topic read, while others asked if a black Santa would “only visit the ghetto” or whether all the presents would be stolen.

“I was completely appalled with it,” said first-year student Alexus Johnson.

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http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2013/12/04/indiana-university-display-used-negative-stereotypes-to-ask-can-santa-claus-be-black/