SENATE CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE STATEMENT

SENATE CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA

The Senate Consultative Committee of the University of Minnesota, representing students and faculty from across the University, because of last quarter's racially-motivated incidents in Bailey and Frontier Halls, makes the following statement.

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Attacks and threats against individuals and groups because of their race or religion are evil. They are reprehensible at all times and in all places. They are especially reprehensible at institutions devoted to the advancement of learning and the instruction of students. All who enter our doors for these purposes--whether student, staff, faculty, or citizen--should and must be made welcome and accorded respect.

The standards of behavior at an institution of learning should be higher than in society generally. The goals and aspirations of a university cannot be achieved when the behavior of a few creates an atmosphere of intolerance and fear. No one can learn and no one can work productively when their beliefs or being are subject to threats or violence. We are all diminished and endangered by acts which deny rights and privileges to any among us.

The United States is increasingly a pluralistic society. Academic institutions provide the opportunity for the enlightenment of all through exposure to different ideas and cultures. We have as one of our goals--indeed, one of our responsibilities--the teaching of all members of this diverse society. We cannot meet our responsibility when individuals or groups are subject to mindless, irrational attacks committed on our campuses.

We must not stand idly by while hatemongers commit acts of violence which undermine the moral foundation of the University. The Senate Consultative Committee calls on all members of the University community--faculty, staff, and students--to vigorously condemn acts of bigotry and violence. At the same time we express our sorrow and regret to the students who were victims of these acts.

Those who engage in such behavior must understand the revulsion and anger with which we all view acts such as the Bailey and Frontier Hall incidents. They must, if members of the University community, suffer the heaviest sanctions permitted by University codes. They must also be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. We insist on no less.