Students concerned that the administration has not adequately addressed issues of hate, violence and minority oppression on campus rallied on the steps of Johnson Hall on Thursday afternoon.
About 30 people occupied the steps of the building, which houses the offices of University President Dave Frohnmayer and other officials, holding signs condemning the administration’s lack of involvement in the recent controversy over what they called hate speech printed in the Oregon Commentator.
Students held a forum Tuesday night to express concerns about the campus climate, suggesting a University effort to educate students about queer issues. The forum was also prompted in large part by debate over whether to fund the Commentator after the journal of conservative opinion published controversial material.
Senior Pira Kelly said the demonstration wasn’t organized by a particular group, but instead comprised “just people who care.”
“People are experiencing violence and hate on campus, and the administration needs to take responsibility for that because they’re supposed to be in charge of the school,” Kelly said. “They haven’t done nearly enough.”
Gregory Vincent, the vice provost for institutional equity and diversity, and Anne Leavitt, vice president for student affairs, watched a portion of the demonstration, eventually responding to demonstrators’ requests for them to speak.
Vincent said the administration is working on both short-term and long-term strategies to address
climate concerns.
Leavitt commended the demonstrators, saying the administration will hold more forums to address concerns.
“Your voices are a strong reminder, to me at least, that our work is not done,” she said.
Vincent, who told the Emerald he knew of the event in advance, said the administration is working to balance free speech and safety issues.
“I think it’s important for
students to be able to express their concerns in a public forum to point out where they think the campus community should
respond to concerns,” he said.