Below is Emerson College President Lee Pelton's response to Isis Magazine's inquiry about his reaction to "The Race Problem at Emerson," an article that has sparked a lively discussion about the issues of race, diversity, privilege, and a college's role to enforce change. You can read the original article here: http://bit.ly/YRo5oVl
I have read the article and the comments, as has Dr. Spears. Diversity - in its many dimensions - is a core aspect of what it means to be excellent.
Clearly, we do not live in a post-racial society. Nor is Emerson post-racial just because I am its president. I'm pleased that the author had the courage to write the article. I'm also pleased that it has engendered discussion and warm debate, though, of course, our hope is that disagreements will be carried out with active listening and respect for different points of view. Dr. Spears has an ambitious plan to strengthen diversity and inclusion at Emerson, an issue that is complex, nuanced and multi-layered. Diversity is not something to be fixed. Rather, it is a continuous process of improvement, understanding and acceptance. Clearly, we have a lot of work to do in this regard. Neither Dr. Spears nor I are on campus this week, but we have pledged to set aside some time to discuss how best to move forward.
I have read the article and the comments, as has Dr. Spears. Diversity - in its many dimensions - is a core aspect of what it means to be excellent.
Clearly, we do not live in a post-racial society. Nor is Emerson post-racial just because I am its president. I'm pleased that the author had the courage to write the article. I'm also pleased that it has engendered discussion and warm debate, though, of course, our hope is that disagreements will be carried out with active listening and respect for different points of view. Dr. Spears has an ambitious plan to strengthen diversity and inclusion at Emerson, an issue that is complex, nuanced and multi-layered. Diversity is not something to be fixed. Rather, it is a continuous process of improvement, understanding and acceptance. Clearly, we have a lot of work to do in this regard. Neither Dr. Spears nor I are on campus this week, but we have pledged to set aside some time to discuss how best to move forward.