The start of PSU’s Fall Term was no different from years past. We welcomed new students, faculty and staff; launched new academic programs; deepened our community partnerships; and made advances in both research and scholarly efforts. It soon, however, became different—punctuated by a nationwide student of color movement that quickly brought attention to issues of race, ethnicity, identity intersectionality, and feelings of marginalization and isolation leading to a call for action.
Groups and individuals at PSU are engaged in this national conversation. Students are expressing their experiences and perspectives on race, equity and campus climate through meetings, large gatherings, letters, protests, one-on-one conversations, and social media. They organized a day-long event on December 1 in the SMSU with the help of the Vice President of Student Affairs, Office of Global Diversity and Inclusion and the Multicultural Resource Center. President Wiewel was present for the culminating four-hour listening session, along with myself, other members of the President’s Executive Committee, many deans, a number of department chairs, directors and staff, and some faculty.
Sona Andrews' Blog 