The University of Oregon Law Professor who has been called on to resign after wearing black-face on Halloween has released a statement.
Nancy Shurtz says she was inspired to wear the costume by the book “Black Man in a White Coat”, by Damon Tweedy. She says she wanted to provoke a “thoughtful discussion about racism” She realizes the decision to wear black makeup was wrong. She says she’s sorry and hopes all who are hurt or angered by the costume will accept her apology.
Shurtz’s colleagues have called on her to resign and there’s a petition online demanding the professor’s resignation. The University has launched an investigation of Shurtz’s actions.
Statement from Nancy Shurtz, B.A. Kliks Professor, University of Oregon School of Law
During a Halloween party I hosted at my house, I wore a costume inspired by a book I highly admire, Dr. Damon Tweedy’s memoir, Black Man in a White Coat. I intended to provoke a thoughtful discussion on racism in our society, in our educational institutions and in our professions. As part of my costume, I applied black makeup to my face and wore a white coat and stethoscope.
In retrospect, my decision to wear black make up was wrong. It provoked a discussion of racism, but not as I intended. I am sorry for the resultant hurt and anger inspired by this event. It is cruelly ironic that this regrettable episode began with my admiration for a book that explores important aspects of race relations in our society, but ended up creating toxic feelings within our community. I intended to create a conversation about inequity, racism and our white blindness to them. Regrettably, I became an example of it. This has been a remarkable learning experience for me.
I hope that all who are hurt or angered by my costume will accept my apology. I meant no harm to them or others.
Out of respect for all involved, I will make no further comments to the media until the University’s investigation is completed.
