Message from the Interim Chief Diversity Officer
Dear App State Community,
As our campus embarks on a holiday break and prepares for final exams, our nation has again found itself grappling with the implications of divisive trials — most recently the verdict delivered to Kyle Rittenhouse for the shootings in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and the impending verdict in the death of Ahmaud Arbery. The complexities of our legal system — which often disproportionately affect Black, Brown, Asian, Indigenous and other underrepresented populations — complicate the ability to have civil, productive discourse about how to move forward, together, as one nation united.
These trials, and many others, have been difficult for many on our campus. The words shared by Chancellor Sheri Everts and the Chancellor’s Cabinet during Derek Chauvin’s trial for the murder of George Floyd continue to ring true: “We hold a collective commitment to looking deeply at our institution and its history, practices and beliefs, and working to institutionalize equity and inclusion into the fabric of our university community.”
As an institution of public higher education, our most significant challenge in regard to discussions involving race is finding the balance between respect for free inquiry and the desire to uplift diverse viewpoints. As Chancellor Everts noted in her message to campus today, she and I have discussed how in times like these, it is more important than ever to publicly reaffirm our shared values, create spaces for challenging, supportive discussions, and provide resources to those in our community who need them. Beginning next week, opportunities will be available for students, faculty and staff to discuss the impact of these most recent trials, and the many others, on members of our App State Community:
- Brave Spaces Forum: Students
Wednesday, Dec. 1, at 7 p.m. in Room 224 in I.G. Greer
This forum will be offered in a hybrid format. Register here to join via Zoom. - Brave Spaces Forum: Faculty and Staff
Wednesday, Dec. 1, at 12 p.m. in Room 085 in App Hall
This forum will be offered in a hybrid format. Register here to join via Zoom. - Panel Discussion on Recent Verdicts
Tuesday, Dec. 7, at 7 p.m. in Rough Ridge (Room 415) in Plemmons Student Union
This event will be offered in a hybrid format. Register here to join via Zoom.
Additionally, I encourage you to check in on one another and also engage in self-care. These campus resources for students, faculty and staff foster inclusive excellence at App State:
- App Advocates
- Counseling and Psychological Services
- Counseling for Faculty and Staff
- Employee Assistance Program
- Inclusive Excellence Team and Liaisons
- Intercultural Student Affairs
- Office of Diversity
- University Ombuds Office
I appreciate the App State Community’s efforts to come together during times of challenge to ensure our campus is an inclusive, safe and supportive environment for all Mountaineers.
Sincerely,
Jamie Parson, J.D.