August

Student government assembly president signs Charlottesville letter

Letter says campuses are not places of violence, hate and racism.

By Nathan Solheim

August 28, 2017

Joshua Gardner, president of the MSU Denver’s Student Government Assembly, signed a national letter showing solidarity with the students of the University of Virginia, which is located in Charlottesville on Aug. 14.

Earlier this month, a white supremacist rally in Charlottesville turned violent, leading to one death and dozens of injuries.

“I signed it because I don’t stand for racism in any setting, it doesn’t belong in society and it doesn’t belong in higher education,” Gardner said. “Higher education is a place to discuss ideas and while there are different ideas that can be discussed in an academic setting, we don’t espouse racism in any form and I stand firm against it.”

Gardner said that the MSU Denver Student Government Assembly will introduce an anti-racism resolution during their next meeting on Aug. 25. “Our student body values diversity and inclusion of all people,” Gardner added. “MSU Denver’s student government assembly does as well.”

Here’s the full text of the Charlottesville statement:

“As Student Body Presidents across the United States, we are deeply saddened by the events that have occurred in Charlottesville, Virginia. We are united with the students of the University of Virginia, as what affects one of our campuses affects us all. College campuses are spaces that students should be able to call home, not places of violence, hate and racism. Students should always feel welcome and safe at our incredible higher education institutions, never having to fear for their personal well-being. As the voice of our students, we collectively call on one another to speak up in the face of injustice, as silence reduces us to bystanders in oppression. This is a statement to not only support the Student Body at the University of Virginia but to make clear our advocacy for the victimized and marginalized students on all our campuses. We will continue to support students and universities in their peaceful resistance to violence, racism, white supremacy, bigotry and acts of terrorism on our own campuses and beyond. If the students of the University of Virginia or the citizens of Charlottesville need any assistance, please know you have a network of universities that supports you.”