App State is committed to cultivating and supporting a welcoming university community and an academic culture of collaboration and respect through education and inclusive practices. When we intentionally bring people with diverse identities together, we foster a stronger sense of belonging and community, and the best ideas and solutions emerge from a wider universe of possibility. We know that for diversity to flourish, we must create an environment where everyone can voice their opinions and express their differences — in the spirit of mutual respect and with the goal of greater understanding. Accountability is key to making this happen.
In 2023, the Office of Diversity introduced the Campus Climate Support Program — a formal process for reporting and addressing bias-related and hate incidents on our campuses. The program is designed to educate App State Community members on these kinds of incidents, offer support resources for students and employees who experience them and create a pathway for free speech-related conversations. This new program is just one of the ways we can work together to create an even more inclusive campus environment where all members feel welcomed, supported and accountable to one another.