A university, above all, is a learning community. At East Carolina University, we embrace our responsibility to educate students both inside and outside the classroom. For our students, developing an understanding and appreciation for what it means to live and interact respectfully in a diverse community is key. We educate students who will become world-class leaders in a dynamic global environment.

In recent months our university unfortunately has experienced increased reporting of cultural insensitivities, especially around race. These incidents are particularly troubling as they have occurred at a time when our institution is demonstrating commitment and experiencing progress with respect to matters of diversity and inclusion.

The university must be a welcoming and respectful community for all its members, and we remain committed to an environment of diversity and inclusion for our entire community.

Months ago on our web site, I expressed our institutional commitment to diversity. I reiterate that commitment in this letter. Diversity is a central value at East Carolina, and we are committed to creating a campus culture that reflects the world we live in. Diversity encompasses much, but at its heart is respect for the differences among us. We know that true learning communities are empowered by these differences.

We will continue to be steadfast to our commitment to diversity as a core principle of the institution. We ask you to join us in creating a campus environment that reflects our core values and includes being respectful, caring and civil with each other. Diversity is indeed a journey and at East Carolina, we are committed for the long haul.