Dear Honors Scholars,
By now you have seen President Michael McRobbie’s statement on IU's commitment to diversity and equity and IUPUI Chancellor Nasser Paydar’s statement against violence in response to the events of the last week and the tragic deaths of George Floyd and so many others. I am saddened and frustrated that in 2020, Black and Brown individuals continue to be the target of racist actions. I stand with our university’s leaders to affirm our commitment to “a safe and civil environment” that holds diversity among our highest values.
I know that many of you are hurting, first because of the shift in the spring semester due to COVID-19, and now because of long term acts of racial injustice that have ignited protests across the country including our own city of Indianapolis. As you often do, you may be looking for ways to make a difference, and some of you may have already participated in peaceful protests.
When I joined the Honors College just over two years ago, I met with faculty, staff, and students to create a shared vision for what the next phase of the Honors College could look like. From those conversations, we crafted our vision:
To be a leading Honors College nationally known for its diverse, inclusive intellectual community, the success of its students, and the rigorous academic and civic-minded preparation of its graduates.
And we affirmed our values: academic excellence, personal and social responsibility, engaged learning, equity and inclusion.
I hope you will join us with a renewed sense of urgency to uphold our shared vision and values to ensure they are more than just words. But what could that look like?
A friend introduced me to a concept that I find compelling in this moment: “radical welcome.” At its core, “radical welcome” is a way of breaking down barriers so that all may participate and feel welcome.
To all Honors scholars, we pride ourselves on our community in the Honors College. All of you must feel safe, supported, and welcome in the Honors College and on our IUPUI campus. To our Black and Brown scholars, I cannot know what you’re experiencing and I acknowledge my privilege as a white woman. But I can listen to you and learn from you. To my white students who, like me, may be looking for ways to show our allyship, I found these resources a basic starting point on ways we can all contribute toward racial justice:
- 5 Tips For Being An Ally
- Guidelines for Being Strong White Allies
- 10 Actions You Can Take To Promote Racial Justice In The Workplace
You may have other resources that have helped you. Please feel free to share them with me.
The Honors College must be a place where all our scholars regardless of racial and ethnic background, national origin, faith tradition, gender, sexual orientation, or other experiences are radically welcomed and find their place in our community. Won’t you help me make sure we live up to this ideal?
Be well,
Kristy Sheeler