#BullThrough Hate: A Message From University Communications Executive Director Makayla McMorris
- published: 2020/06/02
Dear Mavericks,
Americans have struggled for centuries to take to heart the pleas for equality from Black and Brown communities in response to unambiguous acts of violence rooted in racism, hate, prejudice, and bias.
From Will Brown amid the Omaha race riot of 1919, to Emmitt Till, to Rodney King, to Trayvon Martin, to Michael Brown, to Paul Castaway, and to Philando Castile — we too often answer acts of brutality with only incremental progress toward a more just society that lifts people of all colors and creeds. Too often, well-meaning people have chosen a position of neutrality in response.
It is mentally, physically, and emotionally exhausting for communities of color and their allies to repeat the cycle of witnessing and speaking out against racist violence – sometimes at the expense of their own wellbeing – on an almost daily basis. For college students who use their voices to do the right thing and speak out, as many Mavericks have, that cumulative exhaustion can put a strain on their academic performance.
These pleas for an equitable future continued in our community of Omaha this weekend in response to the deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Zachary Bearheels, Tony McDade, and James Scurlock. The words and actions we’ve heard and seen from marginalized people on televisions and in headlines are not those of “thugs,” but a people desperate for change.
We at UNO hear those voices and are prepared to do more than listen. Above all else, please know that no matter who you are, you are welcome here.
There is a renewed sense of urgency within myself and the UNO Office of University Communications to harness the words of Black, Brown, and marginalized communities to affect real, tangible, positive change on our campus.
It is incumbent upon us as Maverick researchers, educators, scholars, support staff, alumni, and lifelong learners to do our part to eliminate racism, bigotry, bias, prejudice, and hate within our halls and in the broader Omaha community.
It is incumbent upon us as Maverick researchers, educators, scholars, support staff, alumni, and lifelong learners to do our part to eliminate racism, bigotry, bias, prejudice, and hate within our halls and in the broader Omaha community.
We owe it to our students, as a university community, to fight for a future where that cycle is broken, so that they can pursue their dreams safely with a clear mind. But we will need your help.
All UNO students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to report racist, bigoted, biased, and prejudiced activity when it occurs on our campus and within our halls on the Bias and Hate Incidents reporting website and join the #BullThrough campaign to support Maverick Values by promoting compassion and action over fear and silence.
Mavericks know what it takes to carve out difficult paths, overcome obstacles, and to stop at nothing to achieve our goals. That is what it means to be a Maverick. That is what it means to #BullThrough.
I and university leaders are under no illusions that we at our campus will be able to overturn more than 400 years of injustice tomorrow, so we are going to fight for justice and equality where we are today. This work will not be easy and does not have an end date, but it will be worthwhile.
Those who have come to know me in the last year with University Communications understand that my family is deeply committed to the future of this university, because this university is a part of us. I hope you, my Maverick Family, will join me, my husband Kenny, and my children Kenny and Makenli’ in this mission.
As Mavericks we will be the change we want to see. Together, we can make a difference.
In the Maverick Spirit,
Makayla McMorris
Executive Director, Office of University Communications
About the University of Nebraska at Omaha
Located in one of America’s best cities to live, work and learn, the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is Nebraska’s premier metropolitan university. With more than 15,000 students enrolled in 200-plus programs of study, UNO is recognized nationally for its online education, graduate education, military friendliness and community engagement efforts. Founded in 1908, UNO has served learners of all backgrounds for more than 100 years and is dedicated to another century of excellence both in the classroom and in the community.
Follow UNO on Facebook, Twitter (X), Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube.