Racism? This will make your head explode!
By Kate Murphy
Northern Kentucky University students stood in the Student Union Plaza
Tuesday night protesting a racially charged flier posted on campus.
The
“Welcome White Week” flier was placed next to a “Welcome Black Week” poster
promoting recent events sponsored by African American Programs and Services at
NKU.
The campus newspaper, The Northerner, reported more than 50
students and faculty, including NKU President Geoff Mearns, attended the
student-led demonstration to speak out against the flier, racial discrimination
and the issues they face on campus.
Students discussed the “underrepresentation they feel on
campus and the challenges they face as black students,” according to The
Northerner.
James Johnson, an organizer of the demonstration according
to the report, posted about the event on Facebook.
He wrote, “Racism and discrimination must go! We will not stand for the
undermining and the deliberate disrespect of our struggle. OUR VOICE WILL BE
HEARD! #NKUREPLYINGBLACK.”
African American Programs and Services posted videos
and photos of the event on its Facebook page and issued a statement of
solidarity.
“African American Programs and Services stands in solidarity with
students, staff and faculty who were offended by the intolerant flier created
by individuals who chose not to embrace the recent ‘Welcome Black Week’
activities.
“Moving forward we value and respect dialogue regarding all
viewpoints and will create educational spaces to build awareness and move
towards the common good.”
University spokeswoman Amanda Nageleisen said the “Welcome
White Week” flier did not go through university approval process with the
Student Union and the student organization named is not active or registered
with the university.
There is also no record of any of the events on the flier
scheduled at NKU.
“We’re still looking into it,” Nageleisen said, “but all
signs point to this not being a legitimate organization or flier or activity.”
She said the fliers first came to university’s attention
Tuesday and they were quickly removed, mostly by students.
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