News about the recent events at the University of Missouri (MU) has drawn significant nationwide attention. We hope that these events, including the resignations of President Wolfe and Chancellor Loftin, will encourage institutions across the country to take this opportunity to evaluate their processes and address racial concerns in a meaningful way.
We are doing this at Missouri State. We know that our students, faculty and staff of color face obstacles every day. There is hurt and a strong sense by some that these real issues are not being heard or, worse, are being ignored. As a campus community, we are working to have very meaningful conversations and to put actions behind our words. We are committed to making systemic changes despite the pressures to maintain the status quo.
“Diversity and inclusion” is more than a catchphrase at Missouri State University. We are forging ahead with making diversity and inclusion an important part of our visioning process and long-range plan. We are investing more dollars and resources in programs because we recognize the value diversity brings to our campus and we want to overcome the obstacles and heal the hurt.
We also understand that voices being heard continues to be an important part of the process. We support our students’ right to participate in demonstrations and request that the University community truly listen to the concerns of all with respect and an open mind.
We have offered and will offer many opportunities across campus for discussion and participation in this process. Please see the link below to see where you can be part of the solution, and please contact any of us with ideas of how we can further improve our campus climate, processes and structures.
Tough Talk Table Talks scheduled in November
Sincerely,
Clif Smart, president
Christina Bowles, Staff Senate chair
Ken Coopwood, vice president for diversity and inclusion
Ashley Crisafulli, SGA president
Caleb Doyle, student representative to Board of Governors
Thomas Lane, associate vice president for student life/dean of students
Sharmista Self, Faculty Senate chair
Dee Siscoe, vice president for student affairs
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