Hello Michigan Tech Family,
As a follow-up to the successful peace march of over
200 people held on November 15th, we would like to invite all Huskies, and
our friends and family in the surrounding community to join us in a display
of unified silence.
Stand with us, even if it’s for just 5 minutes in
between classes. Wednesday 12/2/15 12:45pm – 1:15pm
at the Husky Statue Plaza
We will silently protest the disturbing the peace
charge (MCL 750.170) filed by Houghton County Prosecutor Michael Makinen
against Matthew Shultz. The charge that has yet to be amended is most commonly
filed against individuals who make excessive noise (e.g. a loud party or
allowing a dog to bark through the night); it does not correspond to similar
cases nationwide in which the lives of students were threatened via social
media. We feel that an incident of this nature should never be taken lightly
by the judicial system, or brushed off as a joke by members of our community.
The aims of this event are:
1. to give individuals another opportunity to “vote
with [their] body,” by visibly protesting in support of safety and solidarity;
2. to embody three of the core values that inspire
us all as members of the Michigan Tech family: community, accountability,
and tenacity; and
3. to invite individuals to quietly consider questions/strategies
they would like to ask/share during an evening community panel.
T-shirts provided by the University may be picked
up in advance from the Center for Diversity and Inclusion (Hamar house)
until 5 pm on Tuesday, 12/1/15. T-shirts will also
be available at the silent protest on a first come, first serve basis.
The community panel will be in Fisher 135 at 7:30pm.
We invite all to bring an open mind to the panel; learn about others’ histories,
plights and aspirations; and make conscious choices that prioritize equity
and inclusion. We strive to maintain a community that actively seeks improvement
through acceptance and understanding; individuals that hold themselves accountable,
acting with integrity, honesty, and diligence; and the tenacity required
to make ethical choices and to persevere through all obstacles.
Thank you,
Emerald Gary
