MSU President Addresses Current Racial Issues

Murray State President Bob Jackson has commented on the current social climate, with protests in many cities across the country and riots in some, in response to another incident where a black person died while being taken into custody by a white police officer.

Jackson said recent events are heartbreaking, and, "violence on top of more violence is not the answer." He said an environment of understanding, compassion and equality for all must be led by example. 

Jackson said there is much work to still be done in America, and called on educational leaders to hold themselves accountable while being a catalyst for positive change. 

While Jackson's comments didn't specifically address it, MSU Assistant Football Coach Sherman Neal II sent a letter Monday to Murray Mayor Bob Rogers, Congressman James Comer, Representative Larry Elkins, and the Murray City Council demanding the removal of the Robert E. Lee Confederate memorial statue on the Murray courthouse square. Neal said he will no longer accept, "state-sponsored symbols of institutional racism," and said the maintenance of the statue is an affront to all residents who support equality and value the American justice system. 

Here is Jackson's complete statement:

“The recent events taking place nationally are heartbreaking and are contrary to what we stand for as an institution. Violence on top of more violence is not the answer.

Ensuring an environment of understanding, compassion and equality for all individuals must continue to be led by example. It has become glaringly obvious of late that we have a great deal of work to do in this country.

At Murray State University, we pride ourselves on how a community that embraces diversity, understanding and kindness can be a catalyst for positive change in our world.

In the days ahead, we have a tremendous responsibility as educational leaders. Let's ensure that as we move forward, we hold ourselves accountable too.”

- Murray State President Dr. Bob Jackson