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From: Office of the President

Dear Oregon State Community Members,

Over the past week, at least 14 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) have received anonymous bomb threats -- the third instance over the last several months of such threats. These targeted, racist acts have disrupted the lives and education of thousands of students, faculty and community members across the country, and will have lasting negative impacts on mental health and well-being.

Oregon State University and land grant HBCUs share important connections. While the Morrill Act of 1862 created the foundation for land grant institutions including OSU, in many states Black students were excluded, explicitly and implicitly, from accessing educational opportunities available at land grant and other colleges and universities. This led to passage of the Morrill Act of 1890, which created land grant universities to serve Black students in many states. All HBCUs, which include both public and private institutions, continue to serve as pillars of education, innovation and excellence within Black communities and American society.

We stand in solidarity with HBCUs targeted by racist threats. We also acknowledge our obligation and responsibility as a land grant university to redouble our efforts to form strong, mutual relationships with HBCUs. This includes recruiting and supporting the success of HBCU alumni as OSU graduate students, faculty and staff, and collaborating with HBCUs in teaching, research, and extension and engagement programming, among other efforts.

These efforts include OSU’s support for programs like the Southern Regional Education Board Doctoral Scholars Program, and initiatives like the OSU Pre-Doctoral Scholars Program. The university’s connections to HBCUs are deepened by OSU chapters of historically Black fraternities and sororities and organizations like the National Society of Black Engineers. An expanded athletics scheduling partnership with HBCUs also was announced in September by the Pac-12 Conference will also lead to more academic partnerships.

There is more work to do. We ask Oregon State community members to reflect on what each of us can do to strengthen OSU’s relationships to HBCUs, whether by deliberating our shared history through courses at OSU, engaging in collaborative teaching, recruitment, research and engagement, or raising awareness among community members.

Our shared obligation and efforts will ensure that we continue to build a university community driven by inclusion, equity and justice.

Sincerely,

Becky Johnson, Interim President

Scott A. Vignos, Interim Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer

Send Date: 
Saturday, February 5, 2022