Law professor under fire for wearing blackface

Nov 5, 2016

A University of Oregon law professor, who also chairs the diversity committee, has been placed on administrative leave and is under investigation after she hosted a Halloween party at her home and dressed in blackface for her costume.

Following the party hosted by Professor Nancy Shurtz, 23 different professors called for her to resign over her Halloween costume. On Friday, she issued an apology, according to The Register-Guard, which read:

— White student dresses in blackface as ‘Bill Cosby’ for Halloween —

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 make up 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.

What makes this case particularly ironic is that according to her résumé, Shurtz has previously served as chair of the law school’s diversity committee.