In a message to the ETSU community Thursday evening, ETSU President Brian Noland released a statement regarding events that took place this week in response to the ETSU men’s basketball team’s decision to kneel during the national anthem.
“As I reflect upon the events of the past week, I am struck by the intensity of emotion surrounding our student-led efforts to call awareness to issues of social justice and structural inequities in our nation,” Noland said.
This statement comes after a student-led march was held on campus Wednesday in support of the ETSU men’s basketball team. Several statements have also been released this week from various faculty members, offices and student organizations in regard to the kneeling.
In the statement, Noland said he has spent the last week engaging in conversations, as well as listening to and learning from perspectives of ETSU students, faculty and staff, as well as community leaders, alumni and their legislative delegation.
He also said he is dismayed by attacks towards students, deeming them “unacceptable.”
“I recognize the feelings of hurt, anger, and neglect that many in our community are experiencing,” he said. “The flag and our national anthem are revered in our society. I deeply love our country and have profound respect for our veterans. I also recognize the pain and angst experienced by so many, particularly members of our African American community, who have witnessed firsthand the consequences of social injustice and structural inequities across our country.”
Noland said despite the wide array of opinions on the situation, the university’s primary responsibility is to support its students. He also said that members of the ETSU community should support one another.
“I hope in the days ahead that we can come together and have difficult conversations in a meaningful, civil, open and honest way,” Noland said. “Our students deserve our support, and I look forward to engaging in this important dialogue with you.”
