As an alumna I have frequently touted the captivating, almost magical draw of Ohio University, Athens and the surrounding area. Having recently moved back to the area, several friends and I planned a weekend visiting our old haunts and saying goodbye to a dear friend who is moving overseas.
Imagine our surprise when, on Saturday, Feb. 2, at 11:45 p.m., at the corner of Congress and State streets, we were greeted with a screeching dark sedan turning left on to State Street with three men in tow. One of the passengers, an Ohio University student, acknowledged me in particular with a 32 oz. drink thrown at my face and the comment That's for last night
bitch.
As an eternal optimist, I would like to think the incident was an isolated case, but my Ohio University education and firsthand knowledge of those affected by abuse tells me different. What is most concerning is not what the gentlemen were doing last night but to be so angry as to take it out on innocent people.
I always remembered ' at least hoped ' that Athens was somehow different, somehow more sheltered and somehow more protected from the inadequacies of the rest of society. Sadly, I am reminded that unjust actions occur everywhere, even in Athens.
Beth Sertell is a 1999 graduate of Ohio University and writes from Columbus.
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