Who Invited These Guys?
In the aftermath of Angela Davis's highly anticipated panel at the University of Oregon, the event's organization and ultimate police presence have left many questioning the appropriateness of the organizers and UOPD response. In a statement received by the Anonymous Student Network, the outlines for the prearranged security plan involved Chief Wade and UOPD Director of Community Engagement John Johnson in attendance, with a UOPD car parked outside for support. We have received reports of massive student organizer anger at the police chief attending out of uniform, as they had stipulated they would prefer him to be identified as an officer. This stipulation was “discussed,” with Wade ultimately attending out of uniform.
However, Wade was not the only police presence at the event. additional UOPD officers were called for a few minutes to “ensure safety and compliance with established fire code crowd limits.” The decision to bring in uniformed officers, even if for a brief period, has raised concerns, particularly in light of Angela Davis's discussions on police brutality and the need for transformative justice.
The narrative of security and the fire marshal suggests that the presence of uniformed officers was a response to crowd dissatisfaction due to capacity constraints. However, who called the officers is still unconfirmed, with “organizers” taking the blame, a title which could span from the students who asked Angela questions to the out-of-uniform officer at the event. Either way, this move, seemingly contradictory to the event's themes of social justice and equality, raises questions about the university's commitment to fostering an inclusive and safe environment for students, especially students of color, who showed up in response to mass advertising around the event.
The juxtaposition of an out-of-uninformed police officer present and the UOPD officers responding adds a layer of irony to the situation. By involving law enforcement, the university directly contradicted the principles that Angela Davis spoke passionately about—addressing systemic issues, challenging oppressive frameworks, and seeking alternatives to traditional policing.
This incident prompts reflection on the university's approach to security and the need to align with distinguished speakers' values and messages. The disconnect between the event's themes and the response from UOPD highlights a broader conversation about campus policing, safety, and the importance of creating spaces that authentically reflect the principles of justice and equality. The community awaits further discussion and transparency from university officials regarding the decisions made during and after the Angela Davis panel.
