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One of the posters
Official Statement from the University
A message from the Chief Diversity Officer
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) -- It's been happening on some campuses across the country since election day. Now students at Augusta University are calling for unity after posters appear promoting hate and white supremacy.
The AU family is now trying to pull together instead of letting these posters divide them.
At first glance, it looks like another torn sticker from a normal streetlight. But just hours before, a controversial sticker held its place on the Augusta University pole before being being ripped off.
The sticker depicted an interracial couple, a black man and a white woman, covered by a giant no symbol.
White Pride is the subject of it and three other posters that were discovered by students on Augusta University's Summerville campus Thursday morning.
One poster depicted a white family being surrounded by dark arms, with the caption, "Not seeing the America you want? Start changing it today!" One arm contained the initials "BLM," likely referencing the Black Lives Matter movement while another contained the initials "LGBTQ."
One of the posters
Official Statement from the University
A message from the Chief Diversity Officer
This morning, posters were retrieved from Summerville Campus locations advocating a racial designation of national belonging. It is the position of Augusta University that all races contribute richly to not only Augusta University but to the nation and to the world. Regardless of race, it is our hope that every member of the Jaguar community feels valued, respected, and included as contributors to a shared vision. The celebration of diverse perspectives is what the Office of Diversity and Inclusion is designed to promote and what Augusta University values at its core.
To this end, individuals who engage in hate or bias acts that violate our expectations for healthy discourse do not represent our ideals and are exhibiting behavior which is inconsistent with the tenets of Augusta University. We understand how actions which do not celebrate the excellence attained through our diversity may be harmful to the climate we are striving to maintain. A safe and welcoming environment is our paramount objective.
To continue to grow in this area, Augusta University has launched a climate survey to assess how the campus community feels relative to acceptance and inclusion. Information gathered from the survey will continue to provide Augusta University an opportunity to meet the needs of its campus community and ensure equality and justice for all its faculty, staff, and students.
Quincy J. Byrdsong, Ed.D., CCRP
Vice President for Academic Planning and Strategic Initiatives
Chief Diversity Officer