Matthew Heimbach, a senior history major at Towson University in the suburbs of Baltimore, has recently made waves with his formation of the White Student Union. While he insists that the group is not racist, his fellow students and the African American community beg to differ. Heimbach’s advocacy for “persons of European heritage” has caused significant controversy on campus, particularly with his group’s night patrols targeting supposed “black predators.”
The White Student Union’s website has caused outrage with its language and claims, including Heimbach’s assertion that “white Southern men” have a duty to defend their communities when law enforcement and the state fail to protect them. The African American community at Towson University, and beyond, have voiced concerns about the group’s targeting of black individuals and its overall message of intolerance and division.
The documentary, White Student Union, explores the complexities of race, class, and self-righteous college students yelling at each other. It delves into the heated debates and protests that have taken place on campus as students both for and against Heimbach’s group clash in a battle for the soul of their university.
The film raises important questions about the role of free speech on college campuses, the rise of hate groups in America, and the impact of such groups on marginalized communities. It challenges us to examine our own beliefs and biases and to consider how we can work towards a more inclusive and equitable society.
Ultimately, the White Student Union serves as a cautionary tale of the dangers of hate speech and the importance of standing up against intolerance and division. It is a powerful reminder that we must all take responsibility for the world we create and the impact our words and actions have on those around us.
