Interim President Webster reflects on recent tragedy and Wooster’s ongoing DEI commitments
Interim President Wayne Webster reflected on a racist incident in Wooster’s neighboring city of Akron, Ohio and the College’s ongoing commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in an email message to all students, faculty, and staff this afternoon:
Dear Wooster community,
Jayland Walker’s funeral was Wednesday, and as we mourn another horrendous act of systemic anti-Black violence in our neighboring city of Akron, Ohio, the urgency of now falls to all of us to learn, grow, and work together to take actions to create communities that are safe, equitable, and just for all.
We stand in solidarity with those who are harmed by racism and the many members of our alumni, staff, faculty, and student body who reside or have family and loved ones from the Akron area impacted by this tragedy.
The College of Wooster is committed to curricular diversity and inclusive pedagogy, and to centering racial equity in our policies and practices, mindsets, and interactions, as the foundation for equity within our campus community and beyond. Please view a summary of themes and actions we’re tackling on our own campus and our timelines for this work here.
As fall semester approaches, we look forward to providing a variety of ways for our community to come together to reflect, learn, grow, network, and continue to make anti-racist actions a priority. Please stay tuned for forums for students and employees to be announced in the fall, and building from Assistant Professor Beatrice Adams’ Juneteenth Commemorative Lecture, additional Presidential Equity & Excellence Lecture Series events.
Our Class of 2026 book is Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi. At the start of the academic year, we will make copies of this book available through the campus bookstore to any student, faculty, or staff member. Please save the date for the Peter Mortensen Lecture featuring Stamped co-author Jason Reynolds on Thursday, September 22 at 7 p.m. in McGaw Chapel. A livestream will also be made available for those unable to travel to campus.
I encourage you to join us for these upcoming engagement opportunities and be part of the change we seek. Thank you for your continued dedication to our mission.
Wayne Webster
Interim President
The College of Wooster
Posted July 15, 2022.
Posted in Announcements on July 15, 2022.
