Dear Members of the Administration of the University of Delaware,

As members of the Classes of 2016, 2015, 2014, and beyond, we are writing you to express our concern with a planned presentation from Milo Yiannopoulos taking place at Mitchell Hall at 6 p.m. on October 24, 2016. We are deeply troubled by his many public statements that stand in direct contrast to the values the University purports to uphold, and the potential of these beliefs to destroy the progress made throughout the past year in making the University a place where brilliant students of all backgrounds could feel comfortable presenting their ideas.

Last year, we saw the members and administration of our University stand up against racism, against sexism, against rape culture and against an overall lack of societal awareness. In the wake of a scandal regarding sexual harassment on our campus, survivors bravely gathered in front of Memorial Hall, told their heart-wrenching stories, and provided tangible ideas for how all campuses could improve their handling of these cases. At this time, Mr. Yiannopoulos was crashing feminist gatherings, suggesting the idea that most rape cases are fictional and that rape culture does not exist.  

The #VoicesOfUdel campaign, along with a presentation from DeRay McKesson, and another Memorial Hall gathering, sparked increased dialogue about the status of students of color on our campus, and the value of a diverse student body and faculty. Meanwhile, Mr. Yiannopoulos aligned himself with the "human biodiversity" movement supported by VDARE and American Renaissance, which promotes the scientifically incorrect and morally repugnant theory that non-white people are intellectually inferior as a result of genetics. Even commentators who are against the supposed uprising of political correctness in our country have distanced themselves from Mr. Yiannopoulos, stating that even if his words are solely meant to break taboos, "ironic bigotry will inevitably serve to normalize and spread real bigotry."

Even over the past few months, Mr. Yiannopoulos has embroiled himself in several controversies. In criticizing actress Leslie Jones for her role in a movie, he referred to her as "barely literate," and his followers proceeded to sling racial epithets at Ms. Jones, who had done nothing but defend her work. For his role in inciting this abuse, Mr. Yiannopoulos was given a rare permanent ban from Twitter. The same week, Mr. Yiannopoulos participated in a rally where speakers promoted a "war" against Islam, referred to all members of the Islamic faith as "jihadis" and claimed Muslim migrants are behind an “explosion of crime, rape… of harassment of our daughters, of the gay community.” This rhetoric has no place in the halls of an educational institution.

Throughout the past few years, the University has had several public relations incidents which have left a black eye on our community. Among these was an incident last year in which reports circulated that nooses were hung in a tree on campus. While the items in question turned out to be streamers, the fact that the media, student body, and alumni, were, in large part, willing to believe the initial story, paints a very concerning picture about the state of race relations on UD's campus. Allowing Mr. Yiannopoulos to present would send a clear message from the new administration that the deepening concerns regarding campus sexual assaults and the lack of diversity at the University are entirely unimportant, or even laughable. The job of the leadership of the University is to take the streamers down, not to hang them back up again.

We are proud alumni of the University of Delaware, for the experiences we were fortunate to have on our campus and the ideals for which our Blue Hen family stands. However, many among us will not hesitate to withdraw our present and future support from the University, including financial support and placement opportunities, should Mr. Yiannopoulos be allowed to damage the unity of the student body and tarnish the reputation of our alma mater.

Respectfully,

Concerned Blue Hens