Response to recent assault is strong, demands tolerance
With smiles, flags and drums, marching Boulder community members showed Boulder is stronger than ever when the community decides to unite.
The rapid drums signaled the march’s arrival Friday night from 14th and Pearl Streets to the Boulder County Municipal Building in support of a Naropa student assaulted Wednesday, allegedly because she is a lesbian.
The march was orchestrated by Boulder Pride, and other organizations, to show intolerance will not be tolerated in Boulder.
“This isn’t about hate, it’s about community,” said Blake Weber the executive coordinator of Boulder Pride.
Weber, Mayor Mark Ruzzin, Chancellor Bud Peterson and other organizations quickly assembled to organize the march.
“This has been a horrific incident, but the courage the community had and the courage to come out and walk down that street proved we are going to turn this thing around,” Weber said.
Boulder Police have not officially announced the incident as a hate crime but community members wanted to show support regardless.
Faith Driscoll, a friend of the victim, said the strongest support comes from people close in the community.
“You have to stand up for what you believe,” Driscoll said. “That’s why I’m here.”
Driscoll, along with two other friends of the victim, marched with approximately 200 community members to the municipal building to hear Boulder Pride members and others speak out about intolerance and hate.
“We will no longer be silent without condemnation,” said Ray Stewart, chairman of the Boulder Community United and member of the Human Relations Commission. “If we tolerate the lack of rights for any community, no one’s human rights are safe.”
CU and Naropa University also wanted to show unity as a college community.
“Boulder without the University of Colorado and Naropa University would not be Boulder, but an attack on the community member, whatever the reason, will not be tolerated,” said Thomas Coburn president of Naropa University.
Videotape of the attack was released in hope of catching the assailants. The victim still wishes to remain unidentified, according to Weber.
Weber said crimes like this are of growing concern in society, but Boulder is confronting issues vital to creating harmony in the community.
“This is an issue that is a societal issue,” said Weber. “Every person needs to look deep inside themselves and confront their own darkness because this is an issue of fear.”
Contact Campus Press Staff Writer Renee Tavera at renee.tavera@thecampuspress.com
