Creative Writing

Creative Writing Faculty Condemns Charlottesville Assault

The Creative Writing Department faculty of UNC Wilmington unequivocally condemns the assault by members of white supremacist hate groups on the campus of the University of Virginia and the city of Charlottesville, and we call upon all elected and campus leaders to join us in condemning these groups by name. To be clear: the actions by self-proclaimed Ku Klux Klan members, neo-Nazis and other hate groups during the “Unite the Right” march in Charlottesville were an intentional violation of a peaceful campus.  This calculated act of terrorism resulted in many injuries and an act of deliberate murder. 

This national tragedy has particular relevance in Wilmington, which thrives in the shadow of a dark and bloody legacy of slavery, lynching, and white supremacist violence against African American citizens, and on the campus of UNCW, which continues to struggle with its own shameful history of discrimination. 

As writers we are committed to freedom of expression; that freedom does not extend to criminal acts of violence. As educators we are committed to maintaining a safe, productive campus for all students, faculty, and staff, and to the spirit of inquiry that calls us to examine our region’s history and present as well as our own thoughts and beliefs.

Our department is dedicated to freedom of expression without fear of violent reprisal; the university is dedicated to inclusion of students, faculty, and staff of all backgrounds without prejudice. We stand committed to these ideals during these fraught and challenging times. 



The views and opinions expressed in this page are strictly those of the page author. The contents of this page have not been reviewed or approved by the University of North Carolina Wilmington.