The following letter was written by Jeffrey Burl, an associate professor of electrical and computer engineering at Michigan Technological University. It is his response to his University Senate’s Resolution 41-21: “Embodying University Values: Condemning Hate Speech, White Supremacy, and Ethnically and Racially Motivated Intolerance.” Burl currently faces a petition that demands he be fired for his letter.
I am requesting an apology for the racist sentiments expressed in University Senate Resolution 41-21. These racist sentiments contribute to a hostile work environment at Michigan Tech and are totally unwarranted. Proposal 41-21 implies that white people and local people are racist. Racism is not restricted to any particular group. I find this resolution particularly offensive because I, as a white male, have been systematically discriminated against for 40 years.
Further, the Senate should be concerned with what is occurring at Michigan Tech. At Michigan Tech, I have seen no signs (in my 28 years here) of discrimination against women and people of color. Conversely, for this entire time, Michigan Tech has actively discriminated against white males.
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