The Luther College History Department condemns expressions of racism and the use of racist symbolism on our campus, including the KKK and the Nazi swastika. The study of history teaches us how people have used these symbols to intimidate, threaten, and encourage acts of violence. History also teaches us the importance of tolerating open discussions of all political issues if democracy is to be preserved, but such political speech must not be anonymous or intended to incite violence. The History Department remains committed to improving knowledge of the history and meaning of these symbols and to building a future where all of our students feel welcome and safe.