The effects of the American Civic Association tragedy, which passed two weeks ago today, do not weigh solely on the city community, nor the immigrant community nor any other.
Though some students may not have felt it until they returned to campus, passed by the site of the shooting that left 14 dead or held a candle at Tuesday night’s vigil, it should be palpable now—we, as Binghamton University students, are emotionally tied to the events of April 3.
Students and local residents sometimes have their differences, sure; even BU President Lois DeFleur concedes that. But this isn’t about who lives on what side of town.
Many of us also may not be able to relate to the path immigrants have taken to get here, but it’s not about country of origin either. It’s about the common vision of a community as a whole.
The Civic Association—which was actually founded before this University—is an institution committed to the same goals as BU or any other learning center in the U.S.: the betterment of society and the promotion of the American Dream.
This fall, Binghamton University had the largest enrollment of international students in school history: over 2,000 students, which is approximately one-seventh of the school’s total student body. The diversity and breadth of perspective in the international culture at Binghamton isn’t surpassed in many places.
That’s what makes Jiverly Wong’s actions that much more disturbing. In a town so welcoming and dedicated to immigrants, he derailed so much promise. Wong himself, as recently as early March when he was enrolled as a student at the Civic Association, wore similar shoes.
The healing, to the credit of many in local government and other agencies, has begun.
The proper concern now isn’t whether Wong’s memory, and the pain of his family, are honored in ceremonies; a controversial issue last week. It’s how we can prevent future tragedies, by pursuing real changes – like the tightening of gun laws. It’s how we can continue to support those closest to the victims and all others affected.
And it’s how we can further advance the efforts of places like Binghamton University, of centers like the American Civic Association, and of cities like Binghamton. This community is already a pioneer of internationalization, but we owe it to the memory of the victims to do even more.