Connect with us

Eugene

UO Leaders Speak Out Against Hatred, Racism And Violence

Published

on

University of Oregon leadership, including President Michael H. Schill, the Vice President for Student Life Kevin Marbury, Vice President for Equity and Inclusion Yvette Alex-Assensoh, and Provost Patrick Phillips are speaking out against hatred, racism and violence.

“George Floyd’s tragic and senseless killing by a white police officer on a street in Minneapolis shocks, saddens and outrages all of us.”

“As leaders of this university it is important to speak out against these and other less publicized atrocities inflicted against people of color in our nation. We call on our entire university community and nation to recognize that these are not isolated events, but instead reflect a society deeply in need of transformation and healing,” said the leaders

“Now is the time to raise our voices and send the message that hatred and violence toward people of color and other marginalized groups must stop. In the words of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., ‘the ultimate tragedy is not the oppression and cruelty by the bad people but the silence over that by the good people.’”

In a statement issued on May 29, they said these injustices are happening during a time when COVID-19 is having a disproportionate impact of communities of color.

“Indeed, COVID-19 itself has laid bare, as if we needed more proof, the racial and socio-economic divisions that continue to plague our nation and society. Black, brown, Native Americans, and the poor are getting sick and dying at far greater rates due to deplorable inequities in our health system and the fact that they disproportionately find themselves in frontline jobs that put them at risk. That is unacceptable.”

The leaders vowed to continue the work that began five years ago as catalyzed by the Black Student Task Force, and also note that “our university also has an important role to play in furthering the debate about racial equity through research, teaching, and outreach.”

The university’s African American Speaker and Workshop Series next year, organized by the Division of Equity and Inclusion, will focus on disproportionality and resilience of the African American community in the face of COVID-19.

The UO offers support and resources to students through the University Counseling Center with a team of dedicated staff members, many of whom can provide identity-based support. In addition the UO offers in-person drop-in and other counseling services, and after-hours support/crisis phone line (541-346-3227) to speak with a mental health professional when the Counseling Center is closed. Employees of the university may access the Employee Assistance Program. The Respect website offers information for those who’ve experience discrimination or harassment.

You may also like…

Crime & Safety1 day ago

2-year-old child was Ieft with her deceased mother for days after the woman was kiIIed by her partner, who claimed that an aItercation over infideIity led to a struggIe over a firearm, which resulted in the fataI shooting: DA

Kentucky – A Kentucky man, 30-year-old J. Tompson, was convicted last week of murder and possession of a handgun by a...

Eugene2 days ago

First responders appreciation BBQ brings community and local agencies together in Springfield

Eugene, OR — First responders and their families gathered Thursday at 3188 Gateway Loop in Springfield for the First Responders...

Eugene2 days ago

Eugene officers visit pre-K class to build early community connections

Eugene, OR — A group of Eugene police officers and Community Service Officers spent time last week visiting a local...

Eugene2 days ago

Eugene Police honor civilian and deputy chief for lifesaving actions

Eugene, OR – The Eugene Police Department recently recognized two individuals for their heroic actions during a critical incident earlier...

Eugene2 days ago

Drivers clocked going nearly 90 MPH on Beltline as summer traffic enforcement ramps up in Eugene

Eugene, OR – As summer approaches and students prepare for the end of the school year, traffic enforcement officers are...

Eugene2 days ago

Police respond to report of armed juvenile and shots fired near Eugene high school

Eugene, OR – Eugene Police are continuing to investigate an armed dispute involving a group of juveniles after responding to...

Eugene4 days ago

Eugene Springfield Fire warns of brush fire risk after debris burn spreads near Pine Grove Road

Eugene, OR – Despite a long and cool spring, fire danger remains high in Lane County. On May 23, just...

Eugene4 days ago

Eugene Springfield Fire to host community blood drive on June 5

Eugene, OR – Eugene Springfield Fire is calling on the community to take part in its upcoming blood drive on...

Eugene4 days ago

Eugene offers free weekly heritage rose garden tours through summer

Eugene, OR – The City of Eugene Parks and Open Space is once again partnering with the Eugene Heritage Rose...

Eugene4 days ago

Fire destroys home and outbuilding near Dorris Ranch, all residents safe

Eugene, OR – Eugene Springfield Fire crews responded early Tuesday morning to a house fire on the 600 block of Dorris...

News5 days ago

Customer dies after he compIained about his meaI order when an employee cIimbed out the window following a comment the victim made towards him, only to then pull out a firearm and kiII him: police

Florida – A Florida drive-thru estabIishment empIoyee, 23-year-old EIijah, was taken into custody and charged with first-degree premeditated murder after...

Trending