Actions to address racism on campus

A letter from President's Council and the Academic Leadership Council outlining immediate actions to be taken against bigotry and hate

The color black

Actions to address racism on campus

A letter from President's Council and the Academic Leadership Council outlining immediate actions to be taken against bigotry and hate

The color black

Dear Colleague,

In recent weeks we have listened to the anger and frustration expressed by our Black students, faculty and staff over ongoing police brutality and the systemic racism that lives on in our society. As we listened, we came to recognize the pain caused by each death of a Black person at the hands of police. The meaning of “Black Lives Matter” has never been clearer as people around the world speak up in the name of humanity and speak out against bigotry and hate.

These words are not enough. Today, this University stands in solidarity with its Black student leaders who have brought forward several action items in the “Listen to Us” platform that will make us a better institution for Black students, faculty and staff. Campus leaders of the President’s Council and Council of Deans unanimously support the actions recommended in the “Listen to Us” platform. The University will take these immediate actions to address the impact of racism on campus:

  • A public review of our policing standards, training and protocols to ensure community safety, equity and compliance with justice values.
  • A public review of the African Diaspora Program, which replaced the Black Cooperative Program, to ensure Black student needs are being met.
  • Bring thoughtful and prominent recognition celebrating Colin Kaepernick and those Black social justice pioneers who came before him on our campus.
  • Explore test score alternatives for use in first year math and English course placement and institutional scholarship criteria.
  • Support the establishment of an undergraduate and graduate trustee position.
  • Pursue the establishment of a living learning community in the residence halls focused on Black culture.
  • Continue and expand cultural competency education across campus.

This University is proud of the courageous voices these students have brought to an injustice that has gone on for far too long. It is important to confront our past and seek to build a more equitable and just community for Black students.

In solidarity,

Marc A. Johnson
President

Kevin Carman
Executive Vice President and Provost

Shannon Ellis
Vice President, Student Services

 

Vic Redding
Vice President, Administration and Finance

Mridul Gautam
Vice President, Research and Innovation             

Todd Renwick
Assistant Vice President and Chief of Police

Lynda Buhlig
Vice President, Development and Alumni Relations

Thomas Schwenk
Vice President, Health Sciences and Dean, UNR School of Medicine

Eloisa Gordon Mora
University Diversity and Inclusion Officer

Heidi Gansert
Executive Director, External Relations

Kerri Garcia Hendricks
Executive Director, Marketing & Communications

Doug Knuth
Director, Intercollegiate Athletics

Brian Frost
Chair, Faculty Senate

Mary Dugan
General Counsel

Patricia Richard
Chief of Staff

Shawn Norman
Associate Vice President, Planning, Budget & Analysis

Jill Heaton
Vice Provost, Faculty Affairs

David Shintani
Vice Provost, Undergraduate Education

David Zeh
Vice Provost, Graduate Education and Dean, Graduate School

Steve Smith
Vice Provost, Information Technology and Chief Information Officer

Donald Easton-Brooks
Dean, College of Education

Trudy Larson
Dean, College of Community Health Sciences

Manos Maragakis
Dean, College of Engineering

Shadi Martin
Dean, School of Social Work

Debra Moddelmog
Dean, College of Liberal Arts

Greg Mosier
Dean, College of Business

Bill Payne
Dean, College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources

Kathy Ray
Dean, University Libraries

Al Stavitsky
Dean, Donald W. Reynolds School of Journalism

Debera Thomas
Dean, Orvis School of Nursing

Jeffrey Thompson
Dean, College of Science                          

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