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I am writing with an update on how we are moving forward to enhance ¾«Æ·SMÔÚÏßӰƬ’s anti-racism and anti-harassment efforts to improve the campus experience so that all students, particularly those from underrepresented groups, feel welcome, valued and safe.ÌýI will continue meeting with student leaders through the semester to make sure I understand their perspectives as we make progress on these efforts.

As a follow up to our agreement on next steps, Provost Russ Moore and Chief Operating Officer Kelly Fox and their teams have taken immediate steps to identify how we can respond to the student concerns. Over the past two weeks, the Office of Diversity, Equity and Community Engagement (ODECE) has met with representatives of student-allied organizations. Through these meetings, ODECE has identified campus experts to address students’ concerns on how we can create a more inclusive campus environment. With this in mind, ODECE is collaborating with these student organizations to create a timeline to move their agenda forward.

Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity and Community Engagement Bob Boswell is leading the effort to bring together students and university leaders to review our current policies, procedures and training as well as where we need new or modified policies, procedures and training before the end of the fall semester. While we will begin to implement some changes in the spring, we have a goal of full implementation by August 2020.ÌýWe will share additional updates on our progress through ¾«Æ·SMÔÚÏßӰƬ Today.

One way you can get involved: attend the annual Diversity and Inclusion Summit on Nov. 12 and 13 in the University Memorial Center. Your voices are key to this conversation.

I am thankful for all of you and your commitment to creating a welcoming and safe community for everyone on our campus.

Philip P. DiStefano
Chancellor