Pat McCollough’s personal story originally appeared as a comment. I asked Pat if I could post it because it provides a poignant answer to those who dismiss the significance of hate crimes. How should we respond to a noose or a swastika? Or is this about “should”? We respond how we respond. Some shug and move on; others are devastated, and the fine details of our personal histories usually determine the emotional impact. You can find a picture of the graffiti Pat references here.
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I am Pat McCollough, a retired United States Marine Sergeant Major, also known around campus as, “Coach Pat.” I returned to the education industry at my alma mater, Hawthorne Middle/High School; this was a dream come true. My dream turned into a nightmare when I became the victim of a hate crime.
On 1 Jun 2007, the last day of school, I fell prey to racial discrimination and a victim of hate. This happened on campus during the school day. My classroom was the only one spray painted with hate graffiti, K.K.K. and a Swastika symbol. My vehicle was also spray painted with similar graffiti.
One student has been identified as the suspect. It has never been explained or investigated why this student was out of class and allowed to just roam around campus without a pass or any supervision. This was final exam day.
The administration was very passive about the entire situation. They gave the impression that even though the incident was identified by the local police as a “criminal act” or maybe “just a prank,” they had not taken into consideration how the entire event must have traumatized me as a human being. They stated that they must have misread me because I was a pillar of strength and so well composed though out the entire situation. Well, isn’t that how Christian professionals are suppose to respond.
If this type of racial behavior continues and is condoned with little or no consequences for the real criminals, someone is going to get seriously hurt…remember Jena 6? I wonder if those three nooses hanging on the tree traumatized any of the students or were they provided with any type of professional psychological counseling after having been subjected to such hate. I requested professional psychological counseling and was denied at two different levels. I had to eventually seek professional counseling through other resources outside of the school district. The local community also turned a deaf hear to my cry; even the NAACP.
It is a known fact there is a current issue with safety and security within the Alachua County School District, Gainesville, Florida. From my research, there are many other schools throughout the Nation facing similar incidents.
I did not return to teaching this year.
Still Hurting,Pat McCollough
Friends of Justice 
When Pat signed her name on the dotted line to enter the Marine Corps, she had no idea what was in store for her. At that point, she was willing to lay her life on the line in defence of her country, or just because her CO commanded her to. That is the bottom line and her willingness to do so throughout her Marine career deserves our respect. You see, courtesy is afforded to all, respect is earned and she has earned our respect.
I disagree that women should be placed in harms way in the service, but they do have a traditional role to play.
Be that as it is, she deserves and has earned our respect and undying gratitude for her service.
Ma’am, I am sincerely sorry this happened to you and the little punk who did it should have been tied to a post and horse-whipped 50 lashes. I guaranty he will never do that again and neither will those who witness it.