UMD pulls out of anti-racism campaign

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UMD pulls out of anti-racism campaign

Updated: July 7, 2012 - 5:35 PM

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The University of Minnesota Duluth has withdrawn support for the city's controversial Unfair Campaign, saying its recent public service announcement (PSA) and focus on white privilege are "divisive."

The PSA depicted whites remarking on how society is set up for them and they don't have to endure things like being followed in stores or pulled over unjustly.

A University of Minnesota news release said the video and the campaign's message have "alienated some UMD alumni, supporters and others." It said UMD, one of 18 sponsors, suspended its membership "indefinitely ... pending a change in the campaign's emphasis and creative approach."

The release said the partners, while reaffirming goals to promote racial equality and try to eliminate racism, are reassessing "the messaging" and will discuss whether to change "creative direction."

Previous criticism of the campaign included vitriolic blogging and a Facebook page.

Supporters of the campaign said detractors inaccurately attributed the recent video to UMD alone, setting it up for complaints in order to erode its support.