Statement from Sen. George E. Young, Sr. regarding racism display at OU

State Senator and Legislative Black Caucus Chair George E. Young, Sr. released the following statement regarding a video that surfaced this week on social media of a University of Oklahoma student in blackface.

“As members of the Oklahoma Legislative Black Caucus, we stand firm with the members of OU Black Student Association in stating our disappointment in the recent news of the blatant display of racism.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. died standing for righteousness and respect for all, regardless of race, gender, or creed. Having just celebrated his life and legacy, we will continue the charge.

Further, as leaders in this state, we the Oklahoma Legislative Black Caucus will take the necessary steps to meet with the president of the University along with the interim Associate Vice-President Dr. Irungu. We feel an obligation to exercise our duty to ensure effective steps are taken to prevent incidents of this nature to the best of our ability.

It is beyond time for these matters to be addressed. It is imperative that we become more proactive, that we address these injustices instead of being reactionary upon an occurrence. We stand ready to assist the University of Oklahoma in making sure that we have provided all we can to make the campus reflect a welcoming and inclusionary environment.”