Statement from the University at Buffalo regarding today’s forum examining the history of Thanksgiving

This student-led event provides a forum for examining the historical context of Thanksgiving. According to the student organizers, the event will include discussion on such topics as the historical basis of Thanksgiving, the impact of settler colonialism on Indigenous people and acknowledgement of the perspectives of Indigenous people.

This discussion provides a forum for free expression of ideas and opinions on these topics.

It is inaccurate to characterize this event as “an attempt to cancel Thanksgiving.”

As a public university, the University at Buffalo strives to create an environment where diverse histories, opinions and experiences can be expressed and heard by students, faculty, staff and guests of the university.

It is a fundamental value of UB that individuals have the right to peacefully express their views and opinions at university forums such as this. This a central tenet of UB’s educational and research mission.