An upcoming Bucknell University event featuring the film “What Killed Michael Brown?” has incensed professors who say there is no debate to be had when it comes to systemic racism.
The Nov. 17 webinar featuring filmmaker Eli Steele’s project has caused a stir among faculty at the Pennsylvania university — biology professor Steve Jordan in particular — as it pertains to early online debate.
“Framing of recent posts on Message Center questioning the existence and impact of systemic racism in the United States is itself offensive and racist,” Mr. Jordan wrote of “Systemic Racism: Truth or Poetic Truth? Two Perspectives” promotional efforts, the education watchdog The College Fix reported Sunday.
Bipartisan Bucknell Program for American Leadership and Citizenship, which is sponsoring the event, may also find itself accused of creating a “hostile working environment” for its efforts.
“There is perhaps little we can do about these emails, though I would encourage our Human Resources professionals to investigate them as creating a hostile working environment for many members of our campus community,” Mr. Jordan added.
The College Fix did not receive a response from the professor when asked via email to expound on his position.
Amy Golightly, Bucknell associate professor of education, echoed her colleague’s stance.
“If any white colleagues still wonder why our Black and Brown colleagues and students feel unwelcome, unsupported, invisible on this campus, this is a prime example,” Ms. Golightly wrote. “That systemic racism exists is not a matter that should be ’up for debate’, any more than climate change or the tenets of epidemiology should be.”
Mike Ferlazzo, a campus spokesperson, did respond to the organization when asked for comment.
“[The] message in question was made by a Bucknell faculty member on a University message board and reflects his personal views, which do not represent the views of the University,” Mr. Ferlazzo wrote.
• Douglas Ernst can be reached at dernst@washingtontimes.com.
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