Talking about certain social issues is something many find intimidating. These topics are touchy. They invite strong opinions and can involve debate and contention. Often individuals feel they don’t know enough to weigh in or worry they won’t articulate themselves clearly. But most often, what holds us back is simply fear of saying something wrong. We must lean into discomfort.
by Rick Koubek, President
On Thursday afternoon the State of Michigan House and Senate passed resolutions “to condemn hate crimes, hateful rhetoric, and hateful acts against Asians and Asian Americans and to encourage Michiganders to report hate crimes to the proper authorities.”
Hi everyone, my name is Wayne Gersie. I’m the new Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion here at Michigan Technological University. I’m excited to be a part of your community, and I’m looking forward to having conversations with you about diversity, equity, inclusion and sense of belonging. Since I have been here, I have had the opportunity to move around and interact with many of you and get a really great sense of what it’s like to be a member of this community. Your stories have made me better understand what it means to live and work at Michigan Tech. You shared what you love about the community—but also some of the challenges you’ve experienced in your time here. I know we have work to do.
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.