Dear Campus Community,
We are aware of the reports of the assault of a local man and the alleged use of homophobic slurs by the suspects. One of those arrested in conjunction with the incident is a UCO student who was last enrolled in spring 2020. The incident has been referred to our Office of Student Conduct for further investigation. Our thoughts are also with the survivor of the incident as he recovers.
As authorities continue to investigate the incident, we want to share that we condemn in the strongest terms expressions of hate, bias and discrimination. Crimes against members of the LGBTQ+ community have too often been ignored and that justice has not always been served when the victims of crimes have been members of marginalized or disenfranchised communities. We reaffirm our commitment to fostering inclusiveness at the university and in the communities we serve. We aim to ensure that all members of our community, including those who historically have not enjoyed the full and equitable protection of the law, have recourse against violence and injustice.
Below is a list of university and community resources to learn more:
Contact: David Macey, Ph.D., 405-974-5605 Office of Inclusive Community
Contact: MeShawn Green, 405-974-5907 Office of Diversity and Inclusion
Contact: Dene Roseburr-Olotu, 405-974-3588 Center for Counseling and Well-Being
Contact: Email or 405-974-2215 LGBTQIA+ Faculty and Staff Association Contact: John Stephens, 405-974-2450
University Resources
Women’s Research Center / BGLTQ+ Student Center Contact: Lindsey Churchill, Ph.D., 405-974-2221 Student Alliance for Equality (SAFE)Contact: David Macey, Ph.D., 405-974-5605 Office of Inclusive Community
Contact: MeShawn Green, 405-974-5907 Office of Diversity and Inclusion
Contact: Dene Roseburr-Olotu, 405-974-3588 Center for Counseling and Well-Being
Contact: Email or 405-974-2215 LGBTQIA+ Faculty and Staff Association Contact: John Stephens, 405-974-2450