Oxford Residents Show Concern About Harassment And Hate

BY RACHEL BRADY
Miami University journalism student

Local residents showed up to this week's Oxford City Council meeting in waves to voice concerns about harassment and hate in the community following the national elections of last week.

“I am speaking today because things are happening all around us,” said Tomoko Brown, an 11-year Oxford resident, “things that I never thought would happen this close to home in this age.”

Brown is Japanese and because of this, she fears the safety of herself and her children. She said that after the election, she began hearing about other parents and children who share her feelings of fear.

“When I moved to this country, I thought this was one of the greatest nations on Earth,'' she said during the public comments session at the City Council meeting. "But today I am losing my hope.”

Ten residents spoke at the meeting, most indicating they feared President-Elect Donald Trump's campaign rhetoric and policies that might follow would normalize stereotyping and harassment in the Oxford community.

While Butler County precincts supported Trump over Democratic contender Hillary Clinton 62 to 34 percent -- and Oxford precincts favored Clinton by a 67 to 33 percent margin -- residents like Brown voiced belief that the national election results are to blame for the changing character of their community.

Miami University Resident Assistant Matt Zigman told Council about student reaction to the election.

“The past week on campus as an RA as well as a member of various organizations, I’ve noticed this fear or this uncertainty among the student population,” said Zigman, “I’ve also noticed several slurs whether it be racial or homophobic, some things that just should not be said and should not be tolerated.”

Resident Holli Morrish said residents should report incidents of harassment.

As the communications director for Talawanda School District as well as co-chair of the Talawanda-Miami Partnership, Morrish stressed the importance of setting a precedent and holding community members accountable for their actions.

"We would all benefit and the community would benefit from joining forces and partnering on any sort of initiative that can help bring people together and diffuse some of the disharmony,” she said.

City Manager Doug Elliott stressed Oxford’s value of inclusiveness and diversity. Oxford Mayor Kate Rousmaniere shared her appreciation for the community showing up and sharing what’s on their mind.

“I know we have a number of people in the audience who came specifically to speak or to hear their friends and colleagues speak and I can say for myself that I am honored to be amongst you active citizens who are concerned about our community,” the mayor said.

In other action, City Council on Tuesday:

• Alan Kyger, Oxford Economic Development Director, along with representatives from Scotty's Brewhouse, reported that Scotty's obtained a permit to sell alcohol along with food at the sports-themed restaurant it will open at 325 S. College Ave. next month. It will operate in space that previously housed Dakota's.
• Council unanimously approved a resolution to waive parking meter fees in various Uptown Oxford locations from 9 a.m. on Dec. 19 until 6 p.m. on Dec. 31. The meters in question will be covered with red plastic bags that read "Happy Holidays. FREE PARKING (2 HR LIMIT.)"

Photo: Local residents share post-election reactions with City Council. -- Contributed photo.