Dear members of The University of Akron community,
You will recall that in response to tragic national events in the summer of 2020, I initiated a campus task force to evaluate our policies and procedures regarding diversity, equity and inclusion. This group was charged with developing recommendations for how the University should modify its approaches to ensure our campus is a safe and welcoming environment for all people.
As a result of that work, in early 2021, the University Diversity Council was established. This Council, which included both faculty and staff, was chaired by Willa Gibson, C. Blake McDowell, Jr. Professor of Law, and supported by Dr. Sheldon Wrice, Vice President of Inclusion & Equity and Chief Diversity Officer. The Council worked with great care and commitment to develop The Diversity Roadmap Strategic Plan.
In the coming months, all parts of the University will study this plan and consider ways to implement its recommendations – both in the short and longer term.
I am very appreciative of the efforts that have gotten us this far and I look forward to seeing the campus community come together as we expand and enhance our diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives across campus.
Sincerely,
Gary L. Miller
President
The University of Akron