The UConn WGSS Public Statement

The Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies Program at the University of Connecticut applauds Ms. Luby for creating an open dialogue about the relationship among the UConn brand, discourses of masculinity, systems of violence, and the responsibility of the University to create civil and welcoming environments for all students.  We are appalled at the threatening comments against Ms. Luby on our campus and posted online.  However, we believe it is vital that we move the focus from Ms. Luby and the individualization of this moment to what the University community as a whole can do to change the culture of violence that mars too many of our communities.  This is not an individual issue and it is crucial to address the larger conditions enabling racist, sexist, misogynist, transphobic, homophobic, ableist, xenophobic, religious intolerance, and like forms of violence.  As scholars and activists, we are committed to working to foster dialogue, hold each other accountable, and educate each other about the connections between violent masculinity, patriarchy, and systems of oppression.  We are proud of and grateful for the work of our students and allies in this regard.