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Ohio University Speaks Out Against Hatred, Systemic Racism
By: Destiniee Jaram
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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) — Across the United States, protests and civil unrest against police brutality have been impassioned since the killing of the unarmed Black man, George Floyd on May 25 in Minneapolis, along with several others, including the slain EMT, Breonna Taylor, on March 13 in Louisville.
Celebrities, musicians, and entire countries have been voicing their support to end police brutality within the Black community and higher education institutions have also decided to join the conversation.
At Ohio University, several departments have made statements in support of the Black community and ending police brutality.
On May 29, leaders within the Diversity and Inclusion division released a statement showing their commitment to social justice at Ohio University as well as offering campus resources for students to utilize. Directors of the LGBT, Multi-Cultural and Women’s Center, along with the vice president of Diversity and Inclusion “reaffirm the urgent need to stand in solidarity with our community-members-of-color.”
President Nellis’ office made a statement condemning violence against the Black community and encouraging Ohio University staff and students to keep building a better future for all in a Twitter post on June 1.
1/2 Acts of hatred and violence against members of the African American community have plagued our country for far too long. I condemn these acts and encourage the @Ohiou community to continue working for a future that equally respects people of all backgrounds and experiences.
— OHIO President’s Office (@OHIOPrezOffice) June 1, 2020
Furthermore, Julie Cromer, director of Athletics, released a statement saying the “Ohio Athletics family firmly stands against racial injustice.”
Cromer also announced the creation of “Bobcats Leads Change”, a group of Ohio University student-athletes, coaches and administrators that will work to promote positive changes against racial injustice.
Scott Titsworth, dean of the Scripps College of Communication, wrote, “For those of you who are hurting, know that I and many others in the college stand with you. If you feel the need to yell, be loud.”
And, the dean of the Patton College of Education, Renée Middleton, issued a challenge to her colleagues, staff, and students to take action, “The only way to make sure this crisis doesn’t turn into another moment that is chronicled on social media but does not drive legitimate systemic change is to TAKE ACTION. I would like us—faculty, staff, students, and alumni—to engage in anti-racist teaching, service, and intersectional, decolonizing research in collaboration with other academic colleges, Centers, and community members in pursuit of social justice.”
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