[Peace-discuss] [Campuslabor] Athletes allege abuse and racism at University of Illinois

[Ricky Baldwin]

I am with you.  I like the idea of perhaps a joint statement of some kind that the behavior described is reprehensible and should never be tolerated (without taking the position without evidence of our own whether the allegations are true or accurate) would be in order.  I recommend a very small number of people (1-2) to write the first draft.  If the goal is to have more signatures, you'll want to let folks see the draft and make comments (although not forever).  Ultimately, of course, people can decide whether to sign or not.

I also think that if any of the young women involved are willing to talk to a group, they ought to be asked about the size of the group and the format they'd be okay with.  Some might not want to speak to a group they would perceive as large, face to face.  Others might welcome the opportunity.  Just a thought.

Ricky

________________________________
From: Campuslabor [campuslabor-bounces at lists.uigeo.org] on behalf of Gus Wood [gwoodiii3 at gmail.com]
Sent: Wednesday, July 08, 2015 1:13 PM
To: geo-solidarity at lists.uigeo.org; geo-solcomm at lists.uigeo.org; campuslabor at lists.uigeo.org; Peace-discuss List; discuss-communitycourtwatch at lists.chambana.net
Subject: [Campuslabor] Athletes allege abuse and racism at University of Illinois

Greetings, everyone,

These allegations of racism and exploitation against athletes at UIUC has been brewing for a months now and this story was just released today.

http://www.cnn.com/2015/07/07/us/illinois-athletics-allegations/index.html

Personally, I would like to talk to some of the athletes that are comfortable with talking about their experiences and expanding the story.  This is a great opportunity for us to use the voices and narratives of the oppressed to further expose a horrific issue of racism on the campus.  In light of the AAUP censure, this now national story needs to ring loud and as often as possible and make the administration as uncomfortable as possible about their policies and practices towards Black and Brown people.

If anyone has any suggestions about how to move forward with this story (issuing a statement of solidarity, etc.), please share it.

Also, send the story to as many as possible.  Thanks

Gus