Students should not believe all rumors

I am a recent graduate of Purdue University (Liberal Arts 2001) and now attend the School of Law at Valparaiso University. After reading the opinions in last week’s Exponent, I have two main points to make: (1) a rumor is ALWAYS just a rumor and (2) my experience here at Valparaiso University has been very positive, with a wonderfully accepted mixture of spiritual influence.

As the VU front office heard the rumor of the students celebrating the attack, apparently an investigation went under way. The findings came up null. NOTHING. Everyone who was speaking of people celebrating had heard it from someone else. EVERYONE. And so did everyone at Purdue University. This is what a rumor is, friends. I do wish rumors would be remembered that they are ALWAYS unsubstantiated statements. Now, unfortunately, many people at Purdue and beyond its boundaries will believe that Valparaiso University Muslims are anti-American.

VU is a Lutheran school. I came here for the opportunity to learn law, I am not even Judeo-Christian, and have been accepted by all I have met. This private university prides itself on teaching all of their students of cultural differences and the advantages our world has because of them. I have met a blend of Muslims, Jews, Buddhists, Atheists and Christians. There truly is a world-view here.

I do wish Purdue students, who are surrounded by international students, would appreciate the gift they have. An opportunity to learn about life in our world exists! White Americans never hated Christianity because the KKK performed hate crimes, did they? Of course not! This is perfectly analogous to the Muslim "extremists" whom we have all learned to hate. Come on, people. We are all old enough to discern rumor from fact, and, dare I say, hatred from peace.

Please. Spread Peace.

Andrew Randall Clayton

Purdue Alumni

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Students should not believe all rumors

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Student speaks out against bomb threats

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