UNC Student Government stands with the victims of the deplorable actions and racist ideologies exhibited in Charlottesville, Virginia on and around the campus of the University of Virginia. The bigotry expressed and embodied in Charlottesville, VA has no place in society and it must be confronted and understood at face value. To ignore the existence of the pervasive hatred and racism in the United States today is to be complicit in that racism; and it is imperative to stand together and actively reject white supremacy.
In the months to come, we must be aware that similar white supremacist groups could visit our campus, just as they have throughout the history of Carolina. Our University, the University of Virginia and other similar institutions flourish partly because of the value they place on intellectual debate, conversation and the right to free speech. But while we legally must allow all conversation on our campus, the law is not a pass for us to be complicit in the oppression that abhorrent ideas, such as white supremacy, promote. Our University must not only be a champion for free speech, but also a champion for racial justice, an advocate for true equity and a steadfast defender against hate.
Above all, let it be known that UNC’s Student Government cares about, and will continue to fight for, the rights of all students regardless of identity in the next year. In times of trial and tribulation, we must stand together as a Carolina family and repudiate hatred at every opportunity. In doing this, we will create a better tomorrow.
For a message in regards to First Amendment protections, outside speakers, and the confederate monument on UNC’s campus, please reference this letter posted on UNC.edu as requested to be drafted and shared with the University community by Chancellor Carol Folt. *
In solidarity,
Elizabeth M. Adkins
Student Body President
Undergraduate Executive Branch President
*This line was added on August 15, 2017 which falls after the statement’s original publishing on August 14, 2017.