Hanover College Students Prepared To Protest KKK Rally In Their Own Way

By Travis Thayer (Hanover, Ind.) – Hanover College has prepared its students to choose their own way to protest an upcoming Ku Klux Klan rally in downtown Madison. The Madison Courier reported earlier this month that the Confederate White Knights of the Ku Klux Klan plan to host a rally during the unrelated Chautauqua Festival on Saturday, September 24 from noon to 2:00 p.m. at Fireman’s Park. Despite the Klan’s reputation, the rally is not expected to focus on race, but will instead focus on the active drug problems in Jefferson County and other surrounding counties in southern Indiana. However, there are still concerns within the community about the Klan’s presence in Madison. Hanover College have taken action to offer students an option to respond to the rally. Hanover will host an on-campus activity entitled “Panthers United,” which will include multicultural affairs such as games, crafts, a solidarity walk, and the showing of 2014 film “Selma.” Last week, an assembly was held to prepare students who are considering attending a counter protest at the rally. Students were given guidance on how to peacefully protest, and how to decide if attending is the right thing for them. The message was clear. “Be careful. Be mindful. Be intentional behind your actions.” Hanover College president Lake Lambert released the following message to the Jefferson County community: “The news that the Ku Klux Klan will hold a rally in our community has shocked and appalled the students, faculty and staff of Hanover College. The organization’s bigotry and violence have no place here, and what the KKK represents is completely counter to the values of the college and what we believe to be the values of this community.” Despite the college’s feeling towards the KKK, Lambert went on to say that the college and the community should be a welcoming and hospitable place for all people. Instead of ignoring the rally, Lambert sees the upcoming event as an occasion to affirm a shared community commitment to respect, equality, kindness and justice. “We must ensure that hate – under whatever mask it hides – can never be at home here,” said Lambert. “We ask our neighbors in Jefferson County to turn this unfortunate situation into a positive lesson on the value of diversity and need for inclusivity, committing ourselves to being an even better place to live and work for all people.” RELATED STORIES:  KKK Rally Planned In Madison; Plans Being Made To Ensure Public Safety