Allen: ‘Hatred, racism, and bigotry have no place at Iowa State University’

Emily Blobaum/Iowa State Daily

Joel Hochstein, a program coordinator in the Dean of Students Office, holds a sign reading “White Silence = White Violence” during the “Ames Stands Together Opposing White Nationalism” event Sunday, Aug. 13. 

Alex Connor
August 14, 2017

In the aftermath of white nationalist protests and counter-protests in Charlottesville, Virginia over the weekend, Interim Iowa State President Benjamin Allen wants the community to know: Hatred, racism, and bigotry have no place at Iowa State University.

In a university-wide email released Monday morning, Allen addressed the recent violence in Charlottesville, Virginia as abhorrent.

“While Charlottesville and the University of Virginia may be more than 1,000 miles from Ames and Iowa State University, we must not ignore what has happened nor pretend it does not impact us,” Allen said. “We recognize that this was not a localized gathering; people traveled across the country to attend, demonstrating that racism and bigotry are still poisoning our country.”

Charlottesville was host to a “Unite the Right” rally Friday and Saturday, in which thousands of white nationalists gathered to protest against the removal of a statue of Confederate General Robert E. Lee from a Charlottesville park.

The rally led to counter-protesting – and a clash between the two groups –resulting in the death of one 32-year-old woman and at least 19 injured after a car rammed into a crowd of counter-protestors. 
 
“The loss of life and injuries are tragic and senseless. This is terrorism masquerading as free expression,” Allen said. 
 
Alongside Allen, student leaders have also condemned the violence in Charlottesville.
 
Student Body President Cody West signing a letter of solidarity reading: “College campuses are spaces that students should be able to call home, not places of violence, hate and racism.”
 
Ames community members also gathered in response to the violence in Charlottesville, with roughly 350 people marching in downtown Ames Sunday night as part of a “Ames Stands Together Opposing White Nationalism” event. 

“We all have a responsibility to work together to eliminate hatred and bigotry,” Allen said. 

In his letter to the community, Allen also recognized efforts made by senior administration and university leaders to address campus climate. He noted a previously scheduled meeting Thursday will now incorporate events in Charlottesville into their leadership development. 

“Next week when classes begin, Iowa State will welcome students, faculty and staff from all across the country and around the globe,” Allen said. “We value people of all races, ethnicities, religions, sexual orientations, abilities, and backgrounds.”