05/22/2017
Gaming Club Board Statement on Events of Last Week
CW: Racism, Hate Speech, Mention of Last Week’s Events
The members of the ‘16-’17 Gaming Club Board, take full responsibility for all opinions and statements made.
While the Gaming Club normally takes a neutral stance on campus, in light of recent events the members of the ‘16-’17 gaming club board would like to officially condemn the actions of the “Students for Free Thought”, and take an active stance as allies of the marginalized students on our campus. We recognize that we represent a large club and we cannot speak for everyone. However, we feel it is our responsibility to address this issue.
We feel that although the group claimed to promote civil discourse, they instead promoted discord among the student body. We criticize the group for denying responsibility for the outcomes of their event. “Students for Free Thought” demonstrated a disturbing disregard for the mental, emotional, and physical safety of their fellow students, and must be held accountable for their neglect.
The health and well-being of our fellow students is Gaming Club’s highest priority. A club that actively endangers the wellbeing of others, and refuses to acknowledge their impact on students, is a club in direct conflict with our core mission statement. We condemn hate speech, wherever it may be presented, and we seek to remove it from the spaces we occupy.
We remain committed to the creation of a welcoming space in our house, and at our events. While we recognize that we’re predominantly white, we want to make it clear that we don’t prescribe to this narrative of dominance.
Recognizing our responsibility and privilege as the board of a large organization, we are sending a letter to the administration and LUCC concerning the recognition of the “Students for Free Thought”. We hope other student organizations will also take a stand against the behavior of this club and the harmful effects it has had, and continues to have, on our community. If anyone wishes to voice their concerns regarding the “Students for Free Thought” we encourage them to go to the LUCC General Council meeting today at 4:45 in the Pusey Room.
We know that these events, especially at the end of the term, have brought a lot of stress and heartache to many. Please take care of your friends, and take care of yourselves.
Love,
The Gaming Club Board
