Now and in the future, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse (UWL) Student Association Executives will unequivocally denounce white nationalism and hate-filled violence fully and without hesitation. Unfortunately, we have seen far too many hate-fueled attacks on communities of color throughout our state and the rest of the nation. We stand in stark opposition to white nationalism and the killings that follow it. Black and Brown people across this country should not be targeted and subjected to excessive brutality and violence. The idea that our criminal justice system is so broken as to allow racist acts of violence to go unpunished is shameful. But, in the spirit of the civil rights movement, we will support those who gather peacefully in our communities, calling for what is right and just.
On our campus and in the La Crosse community, we stand in solidarity with our neighbors, friends, colleagues, and fellow students who continue to fight for justice. UWL Student Association Executives are committed to earning the trust and support of our campus community as we work to provide a safe, equitable, and welcoming environment for students across campus. We strive to create change, have difficult conversations, and confront racial injustice; we hope you will join us in that effort.
We strongly condemn the actions of Kyle Rittenhouse, despite the court ruling on November 19, 2021. The courts have failed to hold the perpetrator accountable for the harm that he caused. It is heartbreaking that Joseph Rosenbaum and Anthony Huber do not get to live out the rest of their lives with their friends and families while the perpetrator gets to walk free. The University of Wisconsin La Crosse Student Association Executives stand in solidarity with the families of victims Joseph Rosenbaum and Anthony Huber, and survivor Gaige Grosskreutz, and the residents of Kenosha seeking justice and peace.
To our Black and Brown faculty, staff, and students, your experiences and feelings are valid. Your communities deserve to be safe everywhere: on college campuses, across Wisconsin, and throughout the United States. UWL Student Association Executives will work to confront injustices within our campus and community. We hope that each student will stand with us to support Black and Brown folks in our community, state, and nation. White supremacy has no place on our campus, in our communities, or anywhere else in Wisconsin.
