Big 12 presidents 'committed to fostering a culture of inclusivity' in wake of racial violence

The University of Oklahoma's Joseph Harroz, Oklahoma State's Burns Hargis and Big 12 school presidents issued a joint statement Friday afternoon saying the conference is "committed to fostering a culture of inclusivity" in the wake of recent racial violence and protests across the country.

“As a conference representing thousands of students, faculty and staff from all walks of life, we are committed to fostering a culture of inclusivity and respect in our campus communities,” the statement read. “Acts of racism and violence, no matter their origin or target, contradict this core commitment we share within the Big 12 Conference. Recent incidents of racial violence underscore the need for us and for all Americans to join together in addressing matters of racism and injustice in a united, meaningful way.”

The recent deaths of George Floyd in Minnesota, Ahmaud Arbery in Georgia and Breonna Taylor in Kentucky have sparked protests this week in Minneapolis, Louisville and elsewhere.

Floyd died Monday after Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin pressed his knee onto the back of Floyd's neck while pinning him on the ground. Chauvin was arrested Friday and charged with manslaughter and third-degree murder.

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