Feb. 27, 2008 - Statement from Boulder city manager on CU Campus Press opinion article

Contact(s):
Jodie Carroll, Media Relations, 303-441-3155
www.bouldercolorado.gov/

The City of Boulder supports and appreciates Chancellor Peterson and CU Boulder's response to student and community concerns regarding the CU Campus Press opinion article entitled "If it's war the Asians want, It's war they'll get."  We support CU's administration in building an inclusive campus and community, and their collaborative support for numerous organizations that work to bring awareness and help in changing perceptions of all communities in Boulder.  We think that these efforts are having a significant impact and that comments such as those recently published in the opinion article are far less common than they would have been years ago. 

The recent controversy of this article is an indication of more work needed to be done in order to attain a society in which people from varying backgrounds feel genuine appreciation of and respect for each others' cultures. As it has for decades, the City of Boulder will continue to support efforts to encourage mutual respect and appreciation across cultural distinctions through our policies, laws and services. 

Discrimination is not what Boulder is about. We stand together with CU and the community for the safety and well-being of our residents, the reputation of this great community, and our collective peace of mind. As a national leader in civil rights, Boulder is committed to and responsible for opposing acts and practices of discrimination. We will continue to provide leadership in condemning racism and discrimination directed toward any resident or visitor.

At the July 19, 2005 meeting, Boulder City Council unanimously passed Resolution 975, recommended by the Human Relations Commission, which reaffirms the city's commitment to promoting goodwill and mutual respect among its various communities and condemns racism, bigotry, harassment and discrimination.  

Frank W. Bruno
City Manager
City of Boulder

--CITY--