I’m writing because of the way my name has been used on a flyer about racism at UMass-Boston and the recent resignation of Dr. Ramirez-Soto. My primary reason for seeking a new job was the high cost of living in Boston. The idea that I would leave UMass for Penn State because of racism makes no sense at all. Tell me, where does one find a predominantly white institution in America that is free of racism?

Furthermore, the only contact I ever had with Dr. Ramirez-Soto was when I served as Assistant Director of the Center for the Improvement of Teaching and went, along with then director Castellano Turner, to seek his support for our faculty seminars. We were in his office for approximately thirty minutes. After brief introductions, Dr. Turner and I were seated facing a huge window with the sun glaring through. Dr. Ramirez-Soto sat with his back to the window and proceeded to “filibuster” for the entire time of our visit, leaving us sitting there with the sun in our eyes listening to him speak on the subject of “space.” I was astounded that he would treat us that way. I avoided all contact with him after that. I certainly don’t want my name used to support him, and I have not given anyone permission to do so. Please stop using my name in support of Dr. Ramirez-Soto.

Lovalerie KingDepartment of EnglishPenn State University