TO THE EDITOR:
Today the DTH revealed how former UNC Assistant Dean of Students Melinda Manning was the target of repeated incidents of harassment and gender-based discrimination at the hands of UNC administrators.
As students who are aware of Manning’s contributions to UNC, we are ashamed and angered at the repeated injustice she was shown. We encourage the entire Carolina community to support her.
Many survivors of sexual violence have experienced discrimination at the hands of the same administrators who pressured survivors’ main ally and advocate on campus out of her position.
The movement to combat this discrimination was initiated by a group of UNC students determined to shed light on the corruption of UNC administrators and reform the way the University handles cases of sexual violence.
This movement did not originate with Manning. It was carried out by students. This group — Survivors and Allies For Empowerment and Reform — approached Manning about signing on to the complaint to the Office of Civil Rights.
Manning sacrificed much for students in her time here. Now because students know what Manning has done for us, we stand behind her fully.
For too long administrators have not been held accountable for their actions and have denied survivors the support they deserve. Now is the time to make that change happen.
Tim Longest
Landen Gambill
Zaina Alsous
