Today we face another crisis in our country because of the tragic deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor and the chaos that has followed. McPherson College stands beside our black faculty, staff, and students and all underrepresented people during this challenging time.
McPherson College has been and will always be a place that welcomes diversity – whether it is race, gender, age, sexuality, ability, or religion. It is who we are. It is part of our founding identity. Discrimination, racism, bigotry – in any form – is unacceptable. We have an obligation as educators and learners to uphold the fact that the best communities are diverse and inclusive.
The events of the last several days are a stark reminder of the importance of our work to end racism. We are committed to do better as a campus by continuing our work with the Kansas Leadership Center to ensure a more inclusive culture through meaningful dialogue, training, and new initiatives. We will continue to support diversity and inclusion training for all student leaders and any interested student through the Student Government Association. We will continue to participate in the University of Southern California Race and Equity Center’s National Assessment of Collegiate Climates to better understand and act on student perspectives on campus climate and diversity.
I hope each of you will join us to do better – to embrace an inclusive culture that supports all types of diversity, engagement, open communication, and authenticity.