Statement from Together: Confronting Racism Organizers on the “It’s OK to Be White” Event
Earlier this month, UConn came together for a day of focused reflection, dialogue, and change—a day of metanoia—called Together: Confronting Racism. On Tuesday, an event designed to do the opposite occurred on our campus. We, the organizers of Together: Confronting Racism, reject this deliberate effort to sow division and stoke hatred at our University. We reject the ideology of white supremacy that was the premise for the event, and we reject the strategy that cloaks provocation, incitement, and trolling in the garb of “free speech” that pretends to offer ideas when in fact it spits insults. We stand in solidarity with our students, faculty, staff, and alumni who were targeted for intimidation and harassment by this event.
Our University is dedicated to the free exchange of ideas and we welcome all good faith opportunities to engage with a wide range of ideas and perspectives, even those—especially those—that differ from the majority view. Working together does not benefit from an absolute homogeneity of thought or values. Robust, contentious, and difficult dialogue is essential to expanding knowledge, deepening understanding, and—if we are to confront racism—building empathy across difference. But making a pretense of serious study while working to poison the well of free inquiry with disingenuous cant and bigoted indignities—that is not welcome.
In the face of Tuesday’s events, we reaffirm our commitment to dismantling racism and constructing a more beloved community of mutual respect and equal dignity. As a university, we understand that this is the only context in which knowledge can truly flourish. Toward this end, we invite all members of the UConn community to join us as we continue the work highlighted on November 8th this coming Tuesday, December 5th at 7pm in Konover Auditorium and work to remain: Still Together.