BY MICHAEL D. CLARK
The Cincinnati Enquirer
OXFORD -- The latest cost of combating bigotry in this university town is $100,000 and rising.
But it's still a bargain, say local leaders of a campaign to educate Oxford-area residents -- and Miami University students, faculty and staff -- about the greater social costs of bigotry.
The Oxford Community Foundation recently received the largest gift in the foundation's three-year history when an anonymous donor gave $100,000.
The money will pay for educational programs and activities designed to raise the collective appreciation of Oxford-area residents about diversity and to fight bigotry.
"Our mission is anything that includes improving life in Oxford," said K.E. Smith, executive director of the Oxford Community Foundation. Oxford and Miami University have been sites of racially motivated attacks. Some have been brutally physical, while others have taken the form of threatening telephone calls.
On Jan. 19, a black Miami student was hospitalized after two white men -- Steve Cole and Jeffrey Eberle -- attacked him as he walked with a friend on an Oxford street.
Both Mr. Cole and Mr. Eberle pleaded guilty to felonious assault. Mr. Cole was sentenced last week to six years in prison and a $15,000 fine. Mr. Eberle is awaiting sentencing.
Alarmed by the attack, city and university leaders launched an anti-hate campaign. The community foundation said the $100,000 donation will greatly aid in paying for such efforts.
Often those attending diversity-oriented programs are adults who are already advocates of accepting all people regardless of their race, gender, sexual orientation or socioeconomic standing, Ms. Smith said.
"Lots of times we're preaching to the choir. I'd like to see programs for little children in schools," she said.
She added that the foundation's programs, whose focus will be decided at a later date by the group's grant committee, also will address improving relations between the university and Oxford residents who have no direct connection to the school.
Kathy McMahon-Klosterman, Miami University's associate director for women's issues, said she agreed with expanding diversity-oriented education programs to children and non-university residents. "Our mission is anything that includes improving life in Oxford.' -- K.E. Smith
