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YSU president’s silence deafening

DEAR EDITOR:

Our country, state and the Mahoning Valley are changing everyday. The global pandemic has been the focus for most citizens in our Valley over the last three months, but with the ongoing protests against police brutality and systematic racism, I want to raise concerns about leaders locally who support these injustices.

Youngstown State University President Jim Tressel provided his response to the protests sparked by the death of George Floyd using Twitter on June 1. In one of his tweets, “The Senator” stated, “As an institution of higher learning, we embrace our responsibility to fight ignorance and intolerance. We pledge to foster inclusive environments, to support social justice and to create communities based on trust, ethical conduct and cultural understanding.”

Mr. Tressel’s words do not match his actions.

President Donald Trump has stoked the flame of racism throughout his lifetime, and his deployment of military on peaceful protesters is not American. President Tressel provided a campaign rally platform for then-candidate Trump on YSU’s campus on Aug. 16, 2016.

The infamous Access Hollywood tape bragging of sexual assault was released on Oct. 7, 2016. Ellen Tressel donated $2,000 in October 2016, totaling over $4,000 to Mr. Trump’s campaign in 2016.

Public officials are linked to those who share their names, and Mr. Tressel is politically aware his donations are publicly reported. He is aware his decisions have more impact than most local elected officials. He is aware that his statements supporting social justice is a form of virtue signaling.

Mr. Tressel, “The Senator,” or Jim, your quiet time is no longer acceptable. Your silence is deafening.

JORDAN WOLFE

Youngstown

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