UNIVERSITV


May 21, 2019
To Members ofthe Black 14:

As president, and athletics director at the University of Wyoming, we have had the pleasure of getting to
know many of you as members ofthe Black 14 while discussing the 50?" anniversary. It has been an honor
and privilege to reconnect with you, and hear your story. That story is heart-wrenching, and we feel it is
extremely important for this institution to re?ect on that difficult time here at UW and across this country.
As an institution, we believe we have learned and grown from what you had to endure. The college
experience should be a rich one, and one ofthe best times of a young person?s life. You were deprived of
that experience for reasons that were not ofyour doing. Not to be heard, to be shunned, and to have your
collegiate careers derailed as both students and athletes is a tragedy. Unfortunately it continued beyond
your time here.

We embrace the University?s mission of nurturing, "an environment that values and manifests diversity,
internationalization, free expression, academic freedom, personal integrity and mutual respect?. We
believe that mission rose in part from your courage and sacrifice.

We applaud you, but more importantly, respect you for rising above that difficult time to build productive
lives. You remained faithful to your convictions as you moved forward, all the while continuing to tell
the compelling story ofthe Black 14. As you told that story, it would have been easy to attack the
university that turned its back on you. But you demonstrated immense character and integrity in avoiding
that path. Your actions then, and throughout these 50 years have definitely made a difference, not only on
this campus, but throughout our country.

Please accept this sincere apology from the University of Wyoming for the unfair way you were treated,
and for the hardships that treatment created for you. We want to welcome you home as valued members
ofthis institution, and hope you accept our old Wyoming saying, ?once a Cowboy, always a Cowboy?.

With Warmest Regards,

1/9 r? .

Laurie S. Nichols Tom?
President Athletics Director

 

Ottice ot the President
Dept. 3434 E. University Avenue Laramie, WY 8207i
{307) 766-412l tax: {307) 766-4126