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ÍøÆØÃÅ condemns racism, embraces diversity

Published June 2, 2020

ÍøÆØÃÅ issued a statement today, Tuesday, June 2, 2020, condemning racism and embracing diversity, one of the university's core values. The statement was sent to ÍøÆØÃÅ students, faculty and staff via email.

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The statement follows:

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The climate of civil unrest amid a global pandemic has changed how we evaluate life as well as how others value our lives. These are extremely difficult times for our nation, our state, our city and our campus.ÌýÌý

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The recent killings of Americans George Floyd in Minnesota, Breonna Taylor in Kentucky and Ahmaud Arbery in Georgia vividly serves as a reminder that the battle to eradicate racism, bigotry and discrimination is an ongoing fight. These issues have for too long caused the pain, suffering, and death of far too many Americans.Ìý

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As an institution of higher education, ÍøÆØÃÅ is a space for intellectual thought, sharing of ideas and experiences, and a place where difficult issues are discussed. Diversity is one of ÍøÆØÃÅ’s core values and, as such, it strengthens all areas of the campus community.ÌýÌý

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Another core value of ÍøÆØÃÅ is integrity. As we fulfill our mission to educate students as they become citizens of the global society, we must proceed in our efforts with integrity, knowing that we are committed to honesty, truthfulness and rightness of action. This integrity must include condemning racism and racially motivated violence.ÌýÌý

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We are reaching out to our campus community to begin the dialogue of what we can do to improve. Students, faculty and staff will receive a separate email with a Webform to share any concerns, feedback, and thoughts concerning what the University can do to better support you and to remain a place where all students feel safe and included.Ìý

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In support of our students and campus community who are experiencing extreme grief and fear over these tragedies,ÌýÍøÆØÃÅ’s counseling servicesÌýare available to any students, faculty or staff.

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ÍøÆØÃÅ is committed to working together to provide an inclusive environment for all Warhawks and this community.ÌýÌý

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Edwin Litolff, Interim President

LaShawn Smith, Interim Chief Diversity Officer & Assistant Director of Career Development

Tom Torregrossa, Director of University Police

Alberto Ruiz, Vice President of Academic Affairs

Judy Fellows, Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs

Michael Camille, Vice President of Information Services and Student Success

Camile Currier, Vice President of Student AffairsÌý

Bill Graves, Vice President of Business Affairs

Scott McDonald, Athletic DirectorÌý

Melissa Ducote, Director of Human Resources

Julia Letlow, Executive Assistant to the President for External Affairs and Community OutreachÌý

Kelsey Bohl, Executive Director of Marketing and University Communications


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