Chancellor Philip P. DiStefano
At this time of year, we celebrate the vision, accomplishments and ultimately the life of Martin Luther King听Jr.听He inspired a nation to stand up against racism and discrimination. He inspired a nation to create broad and vast civil rights protections for historically marginalized populations. He saw a world of possibility and believed in a better future together.
He also cautioned us not to stay silent.听When communities and individuals are subjected to hateful rhetoric听designed to further marginalize, he implored us to stand up against it.听He implored us not to ignore it.
For this reason, I ask you to take a stand with me.听Join me on Wednesday, Jan. 25, in Old Main Chapel from 5 to 7 p.m., where we will celebrate Buffs United in a community event that truly demonstrates what CU Boulder represents and how a civil society should engage with one another. Help me denounce tactics of personal denigration.听Help me denounce racist and misogynist comments.听Such tactics and comments are not only personally reprehensible, but also contrary to the university's values of civil, respectful discussion of difference and difficult topics. They do not represent us. You do.
What we say and do represents听our values. Unquestionably, we have our own internal struggles in ensuring a welcoming environment for all.听There continue to be marginalized populations on our campus who do not feel welcome, do not feel included听and are facing significant barriers to access and opportunity.听We can and must do better.听Help me take steps toward听creating a welcoming community that embraces inclusion, diversity and respectful dialogue.
Thank you.
Philip P. DiStefano,
Chancellor
