Statement in Support of Genesis Hansen

October 24, 2019

The Organizing Committee of United Academics of OSU extends its support to OSU student Genesis Hansen, a Philosophy and English major in her fourth year. She was stopped on her bicycle by an Oregon state trooper, lawfully refused to give her identification, and was then forcibly arrested. 

The Corvallis/Albany branch of the NAACP has rightly named this incident as part of a broader pattern of civil rights violations and violence against communities of color. We join them in calling for a full apology and tangible university support for Genesis Hansen, and for meaningful community education and action. 

There is a need to educate OSU faculty, staff, and students — as well as other community members — on our civil rights, and for all to exercise and defend those rights daily, so that people of color do not have to live in serious fear of encounters with law enforcement.

We seek clarity on the future of law enforcement on the Oregon State University campus. On October 23, 2019 OSU President Ed Ray’s office announced that the Oregon State Police will terminate its contract with OSU, but the announcement did not explain why this decision was made. As the administration evaluates needs for campus law enforcement, we call on them to be transparent, and to partner with students, staff, faculty, and community members of color in discussing and making these important decisions.  Whatever law enforcement entity takes the place of Oregon State Police, they need proper training to equitably serve and protect our diverse campus, and help us maintain a supportive and welcoming culture for our students who come from around the nation and world.

A safe environment for all members of the OSU community requires upholding all of our rights to move freely without fear of harassment or violence.