Eastern Washington students hold a rally in response to racist posters

 

Last updated 3/1/2018 at 9:06am

Grace Pohl

Eastern Washington University's student body organized a unity rally on Feb. 27 in response to racist posters being hung around the campus.

By GRACE POHL

Staff Intern

On Feb. 27, a Unity Rally was formed at Eastern Washington University at the campus mall in response to white supremacist posters being hung up around campus.

This rally was describe as a starting point for EWU to make it a more accepting place, but also keeping the community together and not being torn apart from hate.

A handful of students and faculty spoke at the rally to help encourage students to not be brought down by this hate and to make a difference in the community.

"We are hearing you Eagles, loud and clear," Dr. Shari Clarke, vice president for diversity and inclusion at Eastern said. "We here at EWU pride ourselves on being a diversity serving institution. We do not tolerate, accept or condone racism or racist acts. Excuses for these kinds of behavior and actions are tools of the incompetent. We respect and hear you and we are saying this type of behavior cannot live and cannot flourish, or survive on this campus."


After hearing the words pouring out over the campus, more students began to show up to hear what other people had to say as well.

"I want our students to know that you are important," Clark said. "You matter and actions matter. You are blazing paths for future generations. Stall tall. Walk upright. Blaze with passion. And refuse to be denied."

The day prior on Feb. 26, students received an email from EWU President Mary Cullinan, who was also in attendance at the rally, in response to the posters.

"Last week, as you may be aware, posters were placed on our campus by an organization that is not aligned with our commitment to diversity and inclusion," Cullinan said in the email. "As your president, I want to affirm yet again Eastern's commitment to ensuring that we have a diverse and inclusive campus where everyone feels safe to study and work."


Marixa Torres, the vice president of Red Group, which is a support group of undocumented students, also spoke to the crowd of people.

"You are not only welcome in our Red Group, but also here at Eastern Washington University," Torres said. "This is a response to a group that has left traces of hate. Neither I nor my community will be intimidated by this nonsense."

The university also continued the conversation after the rally with a "diversity and inclusion conversation." This was an opportunity for students to meet and discuss the university values of diversity, access, and respect for all people.

Grace Pohl can be reached at grace@cheneyfreepress.com.

 

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