Dear Faculty, Staff and Students,

Indiana University East, like all of Indiana University, deeply values every member of our campus community, and we are fully committed to ensuring a welcoming, safe and civil community on our campus.

This past weekend Indiana University President Michael McRobbie and IU Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Multicultural Affairs James Wimbush addressed the events in Minneapolis following the death of George Floyd, and the demonstrations and the response occurring nationwide. I encourage you to read President McRobbie’s message on IU’s commitment to diversity. Vice President Wimbush’s message is also available online.

I share President McRobbie’s and Vice President Wimbush’s message that IU and its regional campuses will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on anyone’s actual or perceived race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin or political beliefs.

We know the current events in our country are alarming. We understand the frustration, the anger and the need to voice our concerns and to insist that every person is treated equally.

As a campus, we can come together and discuss these current issues in a safe, respectful environment. The Diversity and Inclusion Committee is organizing a Virtual Vigil and Community Discussion about George Floyd and Social Injustice at 7 p.m. on Monday, June 8. A link to the Zoom room will be sent later this week to faculty, staff and students. I invite you to attend the discussion and to share your ideas on how we can work toward being an even more inclusive campus.

Creating an environment of inclusiveness and diversity is a main focus at IU East. If you have an interest in working with the Diversity and Inclusion Committee to address issues on our campus, or to help foster and create a welcoming, inclusive environment for all to learn, create and work, please reach out to Yemi Mahoney, chief diversity officer and special assistant to the chancellor, at ymahoney@iu.edu.

The committee meets throughout the year and welcomes faculty, staff and students to participate.

You may have also read the statement issued by IUPD yesterday on Facebook. I am very proud of our IUPD-East department and the high standards and values they uphold every day to serve our campus and community.

Additionally, if you are feeling overwhelmed by current events, or would just like to talk, resources are available. Please feel free to contact Jennifer Claypoole, director of Behavioral Health, at jenc@iu.edu. You are also encouraged to reach out to Yemi Mahoney at ymahoney@iu.edu if you would like to discuss diversity and inclusion at IU East.

Sincerely,

Kathy Girten
Chancellor