Diversity comes in many forms: race, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, ability, age, and socioeconomic background—to name a few. All of these characteristics contribute to one’s own experience and understanding of the world. How has diversity impacted your own life? For example, how diverse is your neighborhood? School? Place of work? Group of friends? And if our lives tend to lack diversity, why should we care?
by Rick Koubek, President
Dear Faculty and Staff:
I want to boldly emphasize to you that Michigan Tech condemns discrimination and racism in all their ugly forms, including ableism, homophobia, sexism, anti-Semitism, white supremacy, and xenophobia. As I indicated at the December Board of Trustees meeting, they have no place on our campus. We can only be a truly great institution with a welcoming and inclusive community.
by Rick Koubek, President
Dear Students,
On December 9, the University Senate, a representative body for faculty and staff, passed resolution number 41-21 Embodying University Values: Condemning Hate Speech, White Supremacy, and Ethnically and Racially Motivated Intolerance. Last Friday, January 22, a University Senate constituent who is a tenured faculty member submitted a letter to the Senate in response. By now, I know many of you are aware of this letter and feel hurt, concerned, and disappointed.
by Rick Koubek, President
Dear Members of the Michigan Tech Community:
While we support the right to freedom of expression, Michigan Tech stands against acts of violence as demonstrated yesterday in our nation’s Capitol. These actions contradict our work in creating an equitable, diverse, and inclusive community of students and scholars.
by Rick Koubek, President
Chair, Members of the Board and audience members. Thank you for joining us this morning.
This holiday season, in particular, has provided a much needed moment of reflection. And, while there were many uncertainties in 2020, the year did bring into focus that which is certain.
by Rick Koubek, President
Dear Members of the Michigan Tech Community:
Our campus community is enriched by each individual voice on our campus. This includes our students, faculty, and staff who are first-generation, minority, LGBTQ+, nontraditional, traditional, commuter, residential, in-state, out-of-state, international, conservative, and liberal. We respect and celebrate the unique perspectives each of you offer.
by Rick Koubek, President
Dear Members of the Michigan Tech Community:
I grieve for George Floyd along with his family, his friends, and our entire nation. His death was egregious.
by Rick Koubek, President
Dear University Community,
This weekend we celebrated the 30th annual Parade of Nations. No event better represents our University value of Community. Unfortunately, we learned over the weekend that Temple Jacob in Hancock was vandalized with anti-Semitic graffiti. These actions and the intentions behind such hate crimes stand in direct opposition to the values that we and so many others in our community embrace.