Jenna Fischer, an amazing person, is donating her speaking fee from one of her latest events to charities
In today’s installment of “1 Billion Reasons to Love Jenna Fischer,” The Office alum put her money where her mouth is and supported the student protesters who disrupted her recent appearance at DePauw University by speaking up about the racist, homophobic, and anti-Semitic incidents that happened on campus.
On Tuesday, April 17th, Fischer visited the university to discuss her career and promote her latest book, The Actor’s Life: A Survival Guide. Fifteen minutes into the event, someone from the audience stood up and blew a whistle, and around 100 students with signs filled the aisles of the auditorium and started rallying.
Indy Star reports that the protest came in response to an incident that happened a week prior, when a racist threat was found in a men’s bathroom stall. This quickly led to an investigation and immediate action from DePauw University President Mark McCoy.
In a letter addressing the students, McCoy assured everyone that the university was taking steps to address the inexcusable situation. He also mentioned that they’re handling three other reported incidents, including “a racial slur found spelled in rocks in the DePauw Nature Park,” “a student believed to be wearing blackface and an offensive sign,” and “a homophobic and anti-Semitic message written in another campus bathroom.”
Tense protest at @jennafischer book-signing lecture and event at @DePauwU over racial incidents on campus. pic.twitter.com/sUmgpSxIN1
— Shanifesto (@ShannonSamson) April 18, 2018
After the unexpected turn of events, Jenna Fischer took to Twitter to express her support for the student protesters. She vowed to donate her entire speaking fee to the NAACP, The Anti-Defamation League, and The Trevor Project in the name of the students of DePauw.
"I could feel the pain, sadness, and fear coming from these students," she wrote. "No student should feel at risk, or have to suffer the kinds of bigotry and hate these students have encountered. These students need to be heard and they need change."
Please read. pic.twitter.com/aQjAF5v7yX
— Jenna Fischer (@jennafischer) April 18, 2018
Instead of feeling upset that people interrupted her panel discussion, we’re glad that Jenna sided with the students and responded with concrete action to offer her support. And for that, she deserves all the Dundies in the world.