Dear Students, Faculty & Staff: In her letter, President Mary Sue Coleman eloquently describes the importance of the full range of human experience and perspectives in enriching our students’ conversations and learning in and outside class, and of the importance of reporting instances of hate, bias and intolerance. I also would like to encourage students, faculty and staff to think deeply and to consider the circumstances that allow them to bring forth personal opinions and experiences during vigorous and challenging intellectual discussions and in new social situations: What makes one feel sufficiently supported and comfortable to share a point of view? What can stimulate a comment that will enrich a discussion? What can squelch the desire to contribute?
As we renew our community’s commitment to be intolerant of behaviors that target or intimidate members of our community based on an individual’s race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, age or religion, we must go beyond mere tolerance of each other to creating the conditions necessary for fully enjoying the benefits of our diverse community. By creating an environment in which we can freely share our own experiences, perspectives and beliefs with each other, we will not only encourage robust classroom discussions, but also create the circumstances where we can find commonalities, build trust and create enduring friendships that cross many of society’s traditional boundaries.
It is in everyone’s interest to create such a climate. We must encourage those who witness or experience something that discriminates, stereotypes, excludes or harasses anyone based on some part of their identity to report it. Once an incident is reported, staff will help individuals determine appropriate next steps. Even if an incident is not one that constitutes a hate crime or an incident that violates a university policy, we will learn from the reports and obtain feedback on how we can improve some aspect of campus climate. Reports may result in disciplinary action, individual education or new efforts to improve some aspect of campus life. We can also all learn about the nature of bias, and commit to getting to know each other and ourselves in a more respectful and complete way.
The Division of Student Affairs has demonstrated its support of the U-M’s commitment to diversity and inclusiveness by requiring all student groups that desire institutional recognition to affirm in writing their commitment to abide by the University’s non-discrimination policy. Student groups registered under the new Student Organization and Recognition (SOAR) system have made this commitment.
Over the coming months, many student groups and programming staff will make a special commitment to support the “Expect Respect” awareness campaign through distributing buttons and sponsoring events that will promote learning and understanding, and bring diverse students together to socialize. Many of these are listed on this website and I encourage you to get involved.
We have an extraordinarily creative campus community. I am confident that collaboratively and enthusiastically, we can make great strides toward becoming the community we aspire to be. Please join us as we embrace that reality.
Sincerely,
E. Royster Harper
Vice President for Student Affairs
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