University of Wisconsin Student Association Executives call Rittenhouse verdict ‘racist’

"Now and in the future, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse (UWL) Student Association Executives will unequivocally denounce white nationalism and hate-filled violence fully and without hesitation," a press release from the school states, according to WisPolitics.

"Unfortunately, we have seen far too many hate-fueled attacks on communities of color throughout our state and the rest of the nation. We stand in stark opposition to white nationalism and the killings that follow it."

"Black and Brown people across this country should not be targeted and subjected to excessive brutality and violence. The idea that our criminal justice system is so broken as to allow racist acts of violence to go unpunished is shameful. But, in the spirit of the civil rights movement, we will support those who gather peacefully in our communities, calling for what is right and just," the statement continued.

Despite their statements against white supremacy and racism, the three that were shot by Rittenhouse in self defense, Joseph Rosenbaum, Anthony Huber, and Gaige Grosskreutz, were all white. Two were fatally shot, Rosenbaum and Huber.

"We strongly condemn the actions of Kyle Rittenhouse, despite the court ruling on November 19, 2021," they wrote.

"The courts have failed to hold the perpetrator accountable for the harm that he caused. It is heartbreaking that Joseph Rosenbaum and Anthony Huber do not get to live out the rest of their lives with their friends and families while the perpetrator gets to walk free," they continued.

The Student Association Executives wrote that they stand in solidarity with the families of the victims, as well as the residents of Kenosha "seeking justice and peace."

"To our Black and Brown faculty, staff, and students, your experiences and feelings are valid. Your communities deserve to be safe everywhere: on college campuses, across Wisconsin, and throughout the United States," they wrote.

"UWL Student Association Executives will work to confront injustices within our campus and community. We hope that each student will stand with us to support Black and Brown folks in our community, state, and nation. White supremacy has no place on our campus, in our communities, or anywhere else in Wisconsin," they concluded.