12.13.17

Our Michigan community stands united against hate; no outsider can change our values or divide us.

We are a university community that does not always agree with each other. But we do have shared values that we strive to live up to each day, including respect, inclusion and care for each other. We value diversity and equity, and embrace our differences. We believe in free speech, and peaceful disagreement.

Richard Spencer wants to rent space on our campus. The university has begun discussions to determine whether that can be done safely. We don’t know yet the outcome of those discussions, but it is essential, if we move forward, to have as much control as possible about the time, place and manner of such an event. Our first concern is the physical safety of our community.

We condemn Spencer’s abhorrent and vile views. We do so together as Regents: Whatever our differences of party, religion, gender, race, or national origin, we stand united in our condemnation of the evil of what Spencer and his ilk espouse.

It’s important to provide forums for faculty, staff and students who wish to peacefully protest or ignore the content of Spencer’s indefensible views.

And it’s critical that we stand united in our support for each other and our shared and common values against hate.

Regent Michael J. Behm

Regent Mark J. Bernstein

Regent Denise Ilitch

Regent Andrea Fischer Newman

Regent Andrew C. Richner

Regent Ron Weiser