To the Campus Community,
I am reaching out to every member of our student body and to everyone on this campus.
You may have noticed that the beautiful paintings displayed on the windows near the Campus Library were removed on Monday afternoon. This was not a decision made lightly. As we reached the final day of the display, we were notified that some of the artwork had been defaced by members at Lane.
It was an unfortunate and disappointing conclusion to what had been a meaningful event, and in response, we, the Student Government Association, determined that removing the pieces was in the best interest of our community.
As your Student Body President, I strongly disagree with the actions taken that suppressed others’ creative freedom.
Let me be clear: we fully support freedom of speech and expression for all individuals. What we do not support is the defacement or disrespect of others’ beliefs, voices, or creative works. Freedom of speech does not mean silencing or damaging someone else’s expression—it means allowing space for everyone’s voice to be heard.
Students created the original artwork to highlight their identity and expression of self, many choosing to show support to others. It is incredibly upsetting to see such heartfelt work being disrespected, as it not only undermines the artists’ efforts but also compromises the safe environment we strive to maintain—one that protects the integrity of student voices and ensures that no one’s identity is misrepresented or disrespected.
Additionally, such messaging and acts go against LCC’s mission and policies. On Lane’s webpage for their Mission, Vision, and Values, they state that they are “dedicated to fostering a welcoming, inclusive, safe, and equitable (WISE) environment…all who engage with the college pledge to treat others with respect, courtesy, and kindness.”
Following these events, it is important for us to remember that what affects one of us affects all of us. Creating and building a safe environment is a responsibility that falls on everyone’s shoulders, an effort that is not done alone. If you have been affected or know someone who has been affected by discrimination, hateful speech, or derogatory actions, please report it to Lane through this link. Additional resources are included below.
Respectfully,
Amelia Hampton
Public Safety (Building 12, Non-Emergency: 541-463-5558)
Immediate reporting of vandalism, graffiti, or threats.
Student Government Association & Student Life & Leadership (Center 201, studentlife@lanecc.edu)
Provides support for student leaders, RSOs, and inclusive programming.
Multi-Cultural Center (Building 1, Room 206)
Safe space for BIPOC students and those impacted by identity-based harm.
Gender Equity Center (Building 1, Room 202)
Resources and community space for gender identity, sexual orientation, and equity issues.
Counseling Services (Building 19, Room 101, MHWC@lanecc.edu)
Free and confidential mental health support for students processing harm or stress.
Title IX Coordinator (titleix@lanecc.edu)
For reporting discrimination, harassment, or bias-related incidents involving protected classes.
Basic Needs/CARE Program (Building 4, Room 210, careerpathways@lanecc.edu )
Support for students impacted in ways that affect their well-being or academic success (food, housing, safety).
TalkCampus is an app that provides a global, anonymous, and 24/7 peer-to-peer support platform for students, offering a safe space to discuss mental health and well-being challenges, with features like group chats, private journals, and mood trackers. And it's free for LCC students! Just sign up using your @my.lanecc.edu email address.
