Many of us are still in disbelief about the events that occurred this weekend in Charlottesville, Virginia. We saw violence and hatred of such proportions that we want to believe it could not and did not happen here on American soil.
But it can happen and it did happen. It was a frightening display of how much anger and hate one group can manifest toward others – others who are also Americans or who have come here in hopes of finding safety. Regardless of whether the violence was witnessed in person, on television, or on social media, the hurt inflicted runs deep across the country.
The phrase "Hate Has No Place Here" is an important mantra for those of us who wish to push back and denounce this hatred and violence. It is up to us to stand together to ensure that hate does not have a place "here," whether that "here" is our country, our state, our valley, or our campus. I want to encourage us to think of "here" as all of these and to stand together in unity and say, "No more! Hate Has No Place Here!" It is only by speaking with a unified voice that we will be heard.
Adams State University can be an example of how vital it is to embrace and celebrate our diversity. This embrace can help us create a safe haven here on our campus. Hate has no place here, and that "here" is in our hearts.
Dr. Beverlee J. McClure
President of Adams State University
