December 11, 2015
A letter from the President's Cabinet
Submitted by President's Cabinet
As we approach the end of the semester and subsequent holiday break, it’s a good time to reflect on the value of diversity to the K-State family. Recently, we were notified about disparaging comments made to those in our family who practice Islam. We need to be clear that there is no room for this type of behavior at our university.
A diversity of views lies at the heart of a university education, as does the ability to discuss differences in a healthy, civil environment. Our Principles of Community call for us to affirm the inherent dignity and value of every person, striving to maintain an atmosphere of justice and respect. Please read these principles, take them to heart and reaffirm them.
As the principles state, we have high expectations for the behavior of our students, faculty and staff. Unfortunately, there will always be those who demean others, out of ignorance, fear or mean-spiritedness. We must let them know this is not the K-State way. Each of us must speak up when we see and hear things that are wrong.
Those who hide behind the anonymity of social media have created an atmosphere making some feel unsafe in our community because of what they believe. What we post matters, and what we say matters. We must strive to be better than this. Let us use social media to celebrate and promote diversity.
We have worked hard to attract people from around the world to help us build a very special community. From the wonderful towns of Kansas to the great cities of the world, every person who comes to K-State brings a unique background and set of beliefs. Let’s make everyone feel welcomed and seize the opportunity to learn from each other.
As you enter finals week and look forward to spending time with family and friends, please remember that we are all part of the K-State family.
Sincerely,
Kirk Schulz, President
April Mason, Provost and Senior Vice President
Cindy Bontrager, Vice President for Administration and Finance and CFO
Karen Burg, Vice President for Research
Pat Bosco, Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students
Jeff Morris, Vice President for Communications and Marketing
Cheryl Johnson, Vice President for Human Capital Services
John Currie, Director of Intercollegiate Athletics
Jackie Hartman, Chief of Staff and Director of Community Relations
Sue Peterson, Director of Governmental Relations
Greg Willems, President and CEO of the KSU Foundation
Amy Button Renz, President and CEO of the K-State Alumni Association