Statement on racist incident at the University of Oklahoma
Background
In early January 2019, a video of a University of Oklahoma (UO) student wearing blackface and making racial slurs circulated across the internet. In response, the school released a statement denouncing the action but did not immediately specify any disciplinary measures. Following a rally held by students a few days later, the university’s president, James L. Gallogly, issued another statement to update the community on steps that the school would take to address racism.
Excerpt from President Gollogly’s Initial Statement (January 18, 2019)
“We were made aware of an inappropriate and derogatory video circulating on social media of two OU students. The University of Oklahoma abhors such conduct and condemns the students’ actions and behavior in the strongest terms possible. While students have the freedom of expression, the negative impact of such conduct cannot be underestimated.”
Excerpt from President Gollogly’s Follow-up Statement (January 25, 2019)
“It has been seven days since a racist incident by OU students reignited an important dialogue on our campus about racism. I use the word reignited because we have traveled this path before in 2015. And, like our students who felt the disrespect and anger from this incident, I want to do everything in our power to eradicate racism and disregard for the inherent value of every person.”
What we like about these statements
- Clarify that students have a right to free expression while also emphasizing that words have a serious impact.
- Acknowledge the history of racism on the campus, contextualizing the most recent incident as an ongoing challenge rather than a one-off.
- Showcase President Gallogly’s willingness to listen to and engage with the student body, reflecting a commitment to better serve the campus community as a whole.
- Clearly detail the measures being taken to address racism on the campus.