Think back to freshman year, for some of you that will not be a difficult task. Do you remember the ever busy dorms, eating habits scheduled around cafeteria hours, and the laundry trips up and down and unnecessary number of stairs? These seemingly innocent freshman experiences should be just that, innocent.

One uneventful laundry day, a friend of mine overheard a conversation that no one should have to hear in today’s world. A group of freshmen, unable to do their own laundry, felt the need to discuss how at home they could pay people to do this type of work for them. After a few other inappropriate comments pertaining to race, my friend interjected a few words of her own and decided after she spoke that it was best if she left.

After hearing her story, my reaction of indignation is probably very similar to yours. However, I am not here to stand on a soapbox. I am not here to give you a history of oppression. I am writing instead as a beacon of hope.

If this conversation can happen right here at DU, then it can happen in CEO offices of America. It can happen between families around a dinner table. Society can no longer turn a blind eye to these words, it’s time to change. It is time to make a statement that this behavior is no longer acceptable.

To achieve this change in society the movement needs to start at the grassroots level. It needs to start in the campus laundry rooms around the country. This campus belongs to its student population. The power to change it therefore lies in our hands.

Next time you hear something, whether in the cafeteria, the laundry room, the library, not matter the location or scenario, do not keep walking. Do not keep silent.

It is my hope that the students of this campus will in fact stand up and conversations like the one I have described will not be accepted, not tolerated.