On May 18th, 1999 a diverse group of concerned students engaged in a sit-in at the University of Oregon's Johnson Hall to address the campus climate regarding issues of diversity, hate speech and hate crimes, safety, and inclusion. Though the incident was sparked by a specific classroom incident involving racial stereotyping and threats of sexual violence, students recognize that campus incidences of racism, sexism, homophobia, and other forms of oppression are neither isolated nor rare. For more information regarding the specific incident prompting the sit-in and subsequent campus and extended dialogue click here.
The students organized a substantive list of both proactive and reactive goals and demands in an attempt to ensure the safety of all students on campus and to promote a stronger campus climate embracing diversity and inclusion at the Univ. of Oregon. (To view the May 18th, 1999 list of goals and demands click here.) In ensuing meetings, the University of Oregon Administration, concerned faculty and staff, and a broad group of students agreed to further research and collaborate on the proposed diversity list of goals and demands (here on out, dubbed "objectives").
Ten student interns (chosen by a committee of student, staff, and adminstrative representatives) were hired by the University to continue work on these objectives over the summer '99. A Steering Committee was also formed of which includes a broad spectrum of University faculty, staff, administrators, and students. The Steering Committee serves as a mechanism to offer some guidance to the summer diversity interns and research in a manner which will attribute to the overall success of the University diversity objectives. (For more information on the Steering Committee click here.)