UM Community Conversation Event to Discuss Rallies, Protests on Wednesday

Confederate Statue on the Ole Miss Campus.

In light of several rallies and protests planned for later this week, the University of Mississippi is hosting a Community Conversation for all students, faculty and staff to provide open dialogue and discuss concerns.

Katrina Caldwell, Vice Chancellor for Diversity and Community Engagement and Brandi Hephner LaBanc, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, released a statement Monday evening announcing the event that will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. Wednesday in the Union Ballroom.

“Community Conversations provide an opportunity to share and hear unique perspectives, dialogue across difference, and discuss possible paths forward with the university community,” the press release states. “It is an important educational moment for our university community to address challenging issues in a manner that respects freedom of expression. Further, we know these events are causing anxiety and concern among members of our university community, and we want to provide a supportive community environment to address those concerns.”

The speakers will include:

Dr. Brandi Hephner LaBanc, vice chancellor for student affairs: Welcome and Context of Upcoming Events

Dr. Neal Hutchens, chair and professor of higher education, School of Education: Free Speech in Higher Education with Q&A

Ray Hawkins, university police chief, and Erica McKinley, chief legal officer and general counsel: The University’s Plan of Action with Q&A

Dr. Katrina Caldwell, vice chancellor for diversity and community engagement: Available Resources

The Community Conversation event was planned after two Confederate groups announced their intent to walk from the Lafayette County Courthouse to Circle on Saturday in response to the Students Against Social Injustice’s (SASI) 22nd United Students Against Sweatshop national convention, also being held in Oxford this weekend.

Shortly after, a student-led group announced its intent to counter the protest on Saturday, during a rally dubbed the “Anti-Confederate Counter Rally.”

On Monday, Hottytoddy.com also learned of two more protests occurring Thursday and Friday.

The Black Student Union is holding a march in honor of Black History Month at noon in the Lamar Hall lobby. The group plans to “peacefully protest the Confederate symbols on campus.”

Photo via University of Mississippi Black Student Union Facebook page.

SASI told Hottytoddy.com Monday evening it plans to protest at the Confederate statue Friday prior to its national convention on Saturday.

The purpose of the SASI rally is to protest the statue and continue the dialogue that the organization believes it should be removed from the public eye on campus.

According to the group’s mission statement, they are committed to providing a safe, welcoming environment for marginalized persons on campus.

SASI led a rally Nov. 27 to promote awareness of “Steps for Justice” where they outlined three demands for the UM administration to remove the statue, implement a hate speech policy and increase dialogue.

Hottytoddy.com staff report