To the editors of The S&B,
We write in response to statements that appeared in the Feb. 27 Scarlet and Black article, “Racist Posts on Yik Yak Spark Outcry.” The article quotes assertions that the President did not solicit the input of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion and, more broadly, that the College lacks investment in diversity. In fact, in the wake of the racist social media postings, President Kington led senior academic and student affairs leaders, including Michael Latham, the Vice President for Academic Affairs, Andrea Conner, the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Maria Tapias, Associate Dean and Senior Adviser to the President for Diversity, in discussions with the student leadership of SGA and CBS. During these meetings students, faculty and staff raised concerns and planned productive short, mid-range and long-term actions to promote an environment that respects and values the diversity of our community. The leadership of the College is indeed deeply invested in diversity, and we look forward to working with the community to address challenges in this area.
Andrea Conner
Michael Latham
Maria Tapias