On Monday, former Mallet president Marina Roberts brought campus-wide attention to what we, in Mallet, put up with on a daily basis. Perpetual harassment seems to follow those who dare to be different at The University of Alabama. But, as Ms. Roberts noted, “We deal.”

This becomes intolerable when senseless and hateful slurs are hurled at students based on their identity. This is an unacceptable reality for women, the LGBTQ community and other members of our University. If the past few months have taught us anything, it is that we can no longer step aside when others suffer injustice. We must stand up for what is right.

This is not the story of an entire campus filled with hate. Nor is it about our greek system. It is about how even the smallest numbers can inflict pain.

We know that these perpetrators are in the minority, but their voices are heard the loudest.

It doesn’t have to be this way.

Let us come together for those who have been victimized to show the power we have against hate. Injustice anywhere, no matter how isolated, cannot be tolerated on our campus.

We invite all members of the UA community – students, faculty, greeks and independents – to join us tonight at 7:30 p.m. for a barbecue/ potluck outside Palmer Hall as we stand with Mallet, together, and forge a more inclusive campus.

As an institution of higher education, we celebrate difference and uniqueness in our scholarship. But as a community, we must embrace these differences and find where we are similar. Through dialogue, we can begin to understand each other.

For those who dare to be different, or those who simply want to be themselves, we will continue the fight to make The University of Alabama a safer, more welcoming place for all its members.

So join us, and invite friends. Whether it’s after church or after chapter, everyone is welcome.

Free food. Free music. Free fellowship.

Isaac Bell is the president of the Mallet Assembly. Palmer Hall is located at 800 2nd St.