Reactions to Pit Incident Vary
By Christopher Walker

With the national spotlight still on Chapel Hill, students began to reclaim their spots in the Pit Wednesday from a media circus.

But in the process of getting back to normal, both the media and students struggled with the proper labels for Mohammed Tehari-azar and his actions.

A Monday morning rally sparked controversy about the word 'terrorism.' Some see it out of context, while others demand that it be used.

The word terrorism itself carries different definitions and connotations.

The CIA defines the term as premeditated, politically motivated violence against noncombatant targets by groups or agents, but the Department of Defense defines it as the unlawful use of violence against individuals to intimidate government or society for ideological purposes.

If the definition varies within the U.S. government, how can University students expect to get it right?

Some point to Tehari-azar's own 911 call as evidence of terrorism. In the call, Tehari-azar tells the operator that his motives were “to punish the government of the United States for their actions around the world.”

Student Body President Seth Dearmin says he and University administration are not using the term.

“‘Terrorism’ is a word that's been thrown out, and it’s a word that's really inflammatory in a lot of ways, and it conjures up the notions of large groups acting together and these kinds of intricate plots,” said Dearmin.

He says plans are in the works for events to bring students together and promote greater tolerance after spring break.