Disputes flare up among Dickinson State international students

DICKINSON, N.D. (AP) Administrators at Dickinson State University say they've been working to ease some international disputes.

The most recent incident involved a "Free Tibet" bumper sticker. A group of Chinese students felt the sticker was disrespectful and gathered around the car to seek an explanation.

Dickinson State resident director Corey Michalos says no one was hurt and campus security helped defuse the situation. He says it was pretty peaceful, but it could have overwhelmed the driver of the car.

Chinese students met the day after the incident and decided to make T-shirts that show opposition to Tibet, saying it is part of China.

Thy Yang is Dickinson State's director of multicultural affairs.

Yang says the debate about China policy is not new on campus.

Dickinson State has 400 international students representing more than 30 countries.

Hal Haynes is Dickinson State's vice president for student development. He says the free speech common on U.S. campuses is an adjustment for some international students.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 05-11-08 1352CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list