KVRR Local News
Black organizations feel frustrated about NDSU President’s lack of authority
President Bresciani denied their request to meet with him, the task force on diversity and the equity office.
December 10, 2020
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FARGO, N.D. The North Dakota NAACP and the Black Lives Matter chapters of North Dakota State University and Fargo Moorhead say NDSU President Dean Bresciani needs to stop hiding behind emails and show up for students of color.
“Racism isn’t getting worse. Racists are just getting exposed,” says BLM NDSU Allye Doyle.
Organizers say this is just the tip of the iceberg.
“Following this initial incident we have had more videos, posts, e-mails and information come out broadcasting more white NDSU students exhibiting bigotry, racism and disrespect towards their black community members,” says BLM NDSU Aeshia Williams.
“Their inaction in the last week is actively contributing to the ‘hidden’ racist culture on campus, and until they decide to stand up and make a bold statement disavowing this behavior, it will continue to spread,” Doyle said.
The school has declined to discuss the cases or potential disciplinary actions, citing policy that protects privacy. In an email to the campus, President Dean Bresciani said he is appalled by the “conduct of students who engage in hate speech.”
However, he noted colleges have few tools to act on the matter since federal courts have said hate speech is protected.
Activists disputed that claim. They accused the school of not responding to racism quickly because the school doesn’t think it is a priority.