REMOVE JOHN SCHNATTER’S NAME

It is with deep regret I sign this letter and petition. On August 3, 2018, the Ball State University Board of Trustees chose again to ignore insensitive and racist behavior and rhetoric by choosing to support the John H. Schnatter Institute for Entrepreneurship and Free Enterprise despite Mr. Schnatter’s recent use of the word “niggers” and pattern of other racially insensitive and derogatory language about people of color.

Ball State University should remove John H. Schnatter’s name from the institute, honor our Beneficence Pledge and began to engage students and alumni in a meaningful way around issues of cultural and racial injustice – The university for too long has shown that when it comes to issues of racial injustice, it cannot get it right.

As we prepare to celebrate 100 years as an institution this October, we must commit to our pledge to “value the intrinsic worth of every member of the community”. That work starts with creating an environment where students, alumni, and the broader Ball State University community feel honored and respected by the institution we so deeply love and commit to.

I would appreciate your commitment to addressing our concerns around this very important matter.