On Monday evening, students led by the Black Student Advisory Council and Basic Needs campaign began to occupy the Main Building on UK’s campus. Early on Tuesday morning, UK President Eli Capilouto sent a campus-wide email addressing the protest. 

READ: ‘Students want to see change.’ UK students occupy campus building

The entirety of Capilouto’s message is copied below. 

“Dear Campus Community, 

Last night around 7 p.m., a group ofUniversity of Kentucky students representing the Black Student Advisory Council and Basic Needs Campaign began occupying the Main Building. 

Our students have assured us that as they protest, they will not interfere with the operations of the University of Kentucky and our ability to carry out our responsibilities to all our students and our community. I will be meeting with our students later today to discuss their concerns and chart a path forward together.

All of us believe in the mission of the University of Kentucky and care about its future.

Eli Capilouto

President”