Question: How are confederate flags and other hate symbols being delt with on campus?

Dear Hate Symbols Hater,

As a University dedicated to free speech, the display symbols associated with hate are technically protected under the Chicago Statement and the guidelines for student conduct. Hate speech is also protected on campus. So, at an adminstrative level, nothing is being done and nothing will be done unless this policy changes in some way. This means that a student can wear apparel from recognized hate groups such as the Ku Klux Klan or Patriot Front and it’s allowed. Students are allowed to hang confederate flags or even a swastika from their dorm window, and the school’s administration will not take action. Unfortunately, this means it falls to the person displaying those symbols to listen to people that they may hurt and decide to take it down on their own.

Question: Colonel Criterion; I am having a large issue with my body image lately. I have put on a lot of weight since the summer, and it makes me so anxious to think about. I was reminiscing with some friends from high school and looking at photos of myself and I weighed much less. It made me so sad to think about, because I didn’t take much care of myself then. I have a boyfriend, and I’ve hung out with him less because of the way I see myself. I am worried he is not very attracted to me because I’ve gained all this weight since dating him. I hate feeling hungry but I hate the gym even more.

Dear Beautiful No Matter What,

Bodies change and that is just a complex part of life. Having a body does kind of suck sometimes and living in a meat suit can be hard to deal with. You don’t have to change your body to conform to other people’s standards but if you’re not satisfied then there are things you can do, but regardless of your path, loving yourself is the first step. Give yourself grace and be honest with yourself about goals you want to set and whether or not you feel comfortable acheiving them. You have already acknowledged that you didn’t take very good care of yourself which is the first step to changing that behavior. It’s never too late to be more aware of how you’re treating the meat suit. It can feel overwhelming but there’s no need to try to commit to a complete life overhaul. Pick a few small things and focus on those at first and you’d be surprised at how those small things add up over time. As far as your boyfriend goes, honesty is always the best policy. You won’t know how he feels unless you ask him directly and that will just make the anxiety worse. If he truly loves you, he won’t care what your body looks like and will want you to be safe, happy and healthy above all else.