On the occasion of the creation of College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences (CAHSS), July 1, 2020, in the midst of a local and national reckoning with the ongoing violent impact of systemic racism and oppression in our society, we recognize the need for meaningful change and commit to action in our college and spheres of influence.

As a diverse group of faculty, staff, and students who make up CAHSS, we come to the table with a variety of experiences and knowledge about oppression and violence; though we do not all understand or share the same experiences, we are united in empathy.

We know that tables are not always set with everyone in mind, and so we are committed to creating a new table built on belonging, equity, and inclusion. To begin this construction, we will focus on the ways in which our classrooms and curricula need to be re-envisioned for the benefit of all. In the year ahead and beyond, we will be working together to actively listen to students and colleagues, learn and implement anti-racist pedagogy, incorporate more inclusive curricula, and to support our vulnerable students, faculty, and staff.