📧 “Holcomb Center” to Skousen

[Lauren Skousen:] I am not reassured by your email, because our nation decided "separate" and "separation" is inherently unequal. It is patently unjust that OSU insists on siloing off veterans from the broader work of "fostering community" and "cultural engagement." Furthermore, data suggests that, despite whatever OSU is trying to "build," veterans are conspicuously silent about harassment (see page 5) and are disproportionately placed in the least prestigious employment tiers (see page 12). This is all while Holcomb serves a larger population than most other cultural centers; Invisibility should be an option for veterans, not an expectation. I have CCed the office of Senator Sara Gelser-Blouin, with whom I discussed this matter last month. 

Speaking of allowing veterans to be visible on (a public) campus, I have been trying to get a commitment from OSU for several weeks to host a Veterans Day educational event focused on military cultural competency and civil rights; who is authorized to grant event space at Holcomb? 

Will OSU permit the Military Improvement Association, in partnership with the Oregon Legislative Veterans Caucus, to hold an event in Holcomb the week of November 4-7? 

I have CCed RJ Navarro, staff for the Veterans Caucus, who also works with the House and Senate committees that oversee veterans in the state. Not only is this matter time sensitive because of the federal holiday but also because I have been asked to testify before the Senate committee in early December by its chair, Senator James Manning, Jr. (also CCed) and I intend to provide a report on the event for which RJ and I have been trying to find support. 

I really need to secure a location for the event by the end of the week. I look forward to confirming veteran inclusivity at OSU as soon as possible. Thank you for your attention to this pressing matter.