We write this letter in solidarity with Whose Diversity?

, in their efforts to address

problems at the University of Minnesota, some of which we addressed in 1969. The
issues of the development and support of academic studies that would greatly
enhance the University community, to increase non-whites in the student body, as
well as in faculty positions, and serious efforts to make such efforts a normal part of
the Universitys mode of operation, rather than a few students having to put their
careers on the line to achieve what is in the best interest of the University and the
Community as a whole. We urge the University to drop the charges against the
students and develop lasting mechanisms that will prevent the necessity for such
student and community actions of the Morrill Hall Takeover type.
The 1969 and 2015 Morrill Hall Takeovers are eerily similar. Each issued demands in
the Spring, prior to the takeover, with little progress being made by the
administration toward satisfying the demands. AAAC and Whose Diversity?
requested and eventually did meet with the president, still getting promises without
solutions. From a student perspective, inaction is compatible to dishonesty. It is in
the best interest of all involved that honesty and integrity carries the day. If that is
not the case, we can be assured that this is not the last time that Morrill Hall will be
targeted by those students who raise moral questions about academics that are
turned into political situations.

Rose Freeman Massey, former President of AAAC

Horace Huntley, former Vice President of AAAC