Statement from Daisy Lundy / March 10, 2003
These past two weeks have been extremely trying, not just for me, but for many of us in the University community. While I am troubled by what has occurred, I am even more disheartened to acknowledge that many of my predecessors, especially African-American students, have dealt with similar experiences. Moreover, the University, like the greater society, has a meaningful history of racial struggle, and students of all races still grapple with race relations more than 50 years after the desegregation of the University. Nevertheless, my faith tells me that we, as a community, will emerge from these recent incidents as a more sensitive and welcoming University.
Spring Break has given all of us time to step back and to reflect on the divide in our community of trust. During that time, I received more than 1,000 e-mails and letters of support, prayers - and frustration. They have come from around the country, as well as from alumni and fellow students, and they convey a heartfelt sense that our community must seek both justice and reconciliation. I appreciate all of the concern expressed, and I am pleased to report I am doing much better.
My greatest concern is that the incident exactly two weeks ago has focused too much attention on me. The events that transpired are not simply about Daisy Lundy nor are they merely about Student Council. These events are about a larger problem of exclusion that has plagued our University for far too long.
This is the story of our University undergoing change and learning how
to weave diversity into its everyday fabric. Understanding the story, the history of what lead to this incident is imperative in moving forward. We must seize this opportunity to turn the prayers and frustrations into action. They will have little meaning if we do not move forward to take a critical look at our community and commit ourselves to make it a better place not only for each of us, but for our children and our grandchildren. We have reached an obvious pivotal point in this story.
The issue of creating an inclusive and welcoming environment is not just my struggle. It belongs to everyone. But we have an amazing opportunity to begin to change here and now at U.Va. - with each other. Our openness and candor on the issues that presently challenge us will speak volumes on behalf of our sincerity and subsequent progress.
Together, we can write a new chapter in the University's history.
I believe that President Casteen, Vice President Lampkin and other University administrators are sincere in their commitment to changing the climate at the University and to furthering diversity initiatives.
But they cannot do it alone.
They cannot do it without our help as interested, critical thinkers in Mr. Jefferson's academical village. Our presence as civilly minded individuals at an institution of higher learning demands our collective commitment to thoughtful engagement.
I am excited about the set of challenges I will face as Student Council President. Furthermore, I love this university, and I want to be a part of making it grow beyond its history to embrace its future.
In order to accomplish these goals we must move beyond rhetoric to develop a plan of action that moves our community into a truly inclusive future. In this endeavor, I fully support the ideas brought forward in F.O.R.C.E (the five-point plan developed by concerned students). I want to return in five years, or maybe 10, a proud alumna, knowing that we all had a part in moving the University towards becoming a better place.
I urge every member of the University community - students, faculty, administrators, and staff - to commit themselves to creating an environment in which all members are treated with tolerance, civility, and respect.
Ghandi wrote, "We must be the change we wish to see in the world." I challenge everyone to be that change in our University.