Professor apologizes for wearing blackface at Halloween party
Even UO’s President called it ‘stupid’
The UO professor who wore blackface to a Halloween party has now apologized.
Law Professor Nancy Shurtz, who used to chair her faculty’s diversity committee, hosted a Halloween event dressed as a black academic, with black makeup on her face.
Over 20 members of UO’s law faculty sent her a letter demanding her resignation, after a petition circulated calling for her to step down. She has since been placed on leave during a university investigation.
She claimed after the event: “I intended to provoke a thoughtful discussion on racism in our society, in our educational institutions and in our professions.”
Her costume sparked widespread anger across campus. UO’s President Michael Shill said: “The use of blackface, even in jest at a Halloween party, is patently offensive and reinforces historically racist stereotypes. It was a stupid act and is in no way defensible.”
Gabriela Martinez, associate professor in the School of Journalism and Communication, told the Register-Guard: “We are in the 21st century. This country has a long history of racism, and, especially at the university level, people should know what constitutes racism.”
Read Professor Shurtz apology in full below.
“During a Halloween party I hosted at my house, I wore a costume inspired by a book I highly admire, Dr. Damon Tweedy’s memoir, ‘Black Man in a White Coat.’ I intended to provoke a thoughtful discussion on racism in our society, in our educational institutions and in our professions. As part of my costume, I applied black makeup to my face and wore a white coat and stethoscope.
“In retrospect, my decision to wear black makeup was wrong. It provoked a discussion of racism, but not as I intended. I am sorry for the resultant hurt and anger inspired by this event. It is cruelly ironic that this regrettable episode began with my admiration for a book that explores important aspects of race relations in our society, but ended up creating toxic feelings within our community. I intended to create a conversation about inequity, racism and our white blindness to them. Regrettably, I became an example of it. This has been a remarkable learning experience for me.
“I hope that all who are hurt or angered by my costume will accept my apology. I meant no harm to them or others.
“Out of respect for all involved, I will make no further comments to the media until the university’s investigation is completed.”