University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Chancellor Andrew J. Leavitt issued the following statement on Nov. 17, 2015:

Campus Community,

We must take the events in University of Missouri and use them to reflect on how we at UW Oshkosh respect all individuals.

I invite you join me at the Town Hall Meeting on Diversity and Inclusion at 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 3, in Reeve Memorial Union Theatre, Room 307. The program is entitled “Standing in Solidarity with the University of Missouri.”

Statement regarding events at University of Missouri:

Full text of statement:

Dear UWO Community,

The recent events at the University of Missouri are a reminder to all of us that the struggle for inclusion, respect and tolerance continues in this country.

We must take the events in Missouri and use them to reflect on how we at UW Oshkosh respect all students of color. I urge you as a member of the campus community to examine and commit to fighting for all members of our community to feel wanted and respected regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation or any other characteristic that may be used to define or limit us.

As Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”

By recommitting our University in support of equality and inclusion for all, we can make our community a better place for each of us.

I urge you to join me at the Town Hall Meeting on Diversity and Inclusion at 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.Thursday, Dec. 3, at Reeve Memorial Union Theatre, Room 307. The program is entitled “Standing in Solidarity with the University of Missouri.”

Please join me in standing in solidarity with our students of color during this pivotal time on our campuses.