Ronald C. Arnett, chair and professor of the department of communication and rhetorical studies at Duquesne University, will deliver a talk titled "Existential Acknowledgement: Communication Civility in an Age of Diversity and Difference" when he visits Penn State York on Friday, Dec. 3. The program, at noon in the Community Room of the Joe and Rosie Ruhl Student Community Center, is free and open to the public. (more)
Penn State President Graham Spanier speaks out about the disturbance that followed the Oct. 25 win over Ohio State by the Penn State Nittany Lions. (more)
We are writing in response to SpeakOut's statement that was delivered to the President's office on Friday, Feb. 9, 2007, and in response to subsequent conversations Friday afternoon with Vice President Triponey and Vice Provost Jones. Let us first assure you that the administration at Penn State is unalterably committed to continuing our longstanding efforts to promote diversity and create a climate of acceptance for all. As we have stated before, we will under no circumstances tolerate acts of hate or discrimination and we will investigate and prosecute the violation of University policy and laws related to all documented violations that are reported through the appropriate channels, which include our Affirmative Action Office, Office of Educational Equity, University Police, and Office of Judicial Affairs. We most certainly will and do hold members of this community accountable when they are found responsible for violations of our policies regarding discrimination. Additionally we are resolved to continue our extensive efforts to promote equity and educate our community about racism, homophobia, intolerance, insensitivity and discrimination. (more)
The Office of the Vice Provost for Educational Equity at Penn State is home to three commissions which look to foster diversity and enhance the learning and working environment on campus, and every member of the Penn State community is encouraged to consider involvement. The Commission for Women (CFW), the Commission on Racial/Ethnic Diversity (CORED), and the Commission on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Equity (CLGBTE) serve as advisory groups to President Graham B. Spanier and are responsible for recommending policies as well as providing a forum for exchanging ideas that can translate into improved practices to support Penn State’s strategic plan, A Framework to Foster Diversity at Penn State 1998-2003 and 2004-09. (more)
Recently, an individual on campus yelled a racial slur out the window of an on-campus residence hall at Penn State's University Park campus. University Police continue to investigate. In expressing concerns about the yelling, the Black Caucus has submitted some recommendations to the University. The following is the University's response from Vicky Triponey, vice president for student affairs, and Terrell Jones, vice provost for educational equity. (more)
Responding to student and community concerns about recent events on campus that were motivated by hate and prejudice, the University is undertaking a series of new initiatives to promote a shared understanding of the value of diversity and developing programs to create a welcoming campus climate.
Penn State continues to progress on all issues that are part of the 2001 A Plan To Enhance Diversity at Penn State. One illustration of success is the 72 percent increase in Penn State's minority student enrollment at all locations, from 5,711 undergraduate and graduate students in fall 1992 to 9,827 minority students in fall 2004, or 12 percent of the total enrollment. Go to:
http://www.budget.psu.edu/factbook/StudentDynamic/MinorityEnrolbyEthnicity.asp?TableCount=3&ReportCode=H&YearCode=2004Enr (more)
The discovery of hateful photos on the personal web page of the president of the College Republicans was met with outrage by students, faculty, and staff in the Penn State community. University leaders condemned this behavior and spoke out against acts that foster racism, sexism, homophobia and incivility.
Good morning. I am pleased to be here today to welcome all of you to Penn State and to help you kick off this new phase of your life at our University. We are thrilled you have chosen Penn State as the place you wish to pursue your dreams, because as an international research institution, Penn State has much to offer you in the way of learning opportunities both inside and outside the classroom. It is my hope that you will take full advantage of these opportunities and become deeply involved in the life of this University. (more)
I am pleased to again welcome everyone to this banquet, an annual celebration that has continued at Penn State for nearly three decades. That's quite an impressive record and strong testimony to the importance that our community places on this day and on honoring one of the world's best known advocates for freedom and social change.
Today is more than just the birthday of a man whose life was dedicated to fostering racial harmony. This is an evening that allows us to come together as a community, to reflect on Martin Luther King Jr.'s powerful message of unity, to embrace our differences, and to find our commonalities. This event should remind each one of us of the continuing need for strong voices to speak out against injustices wherever we see them. It should rekindle our sense of urgency for transforming our communities and indeed our nation, into a place where all people are respected. This evening should reaffirm the critical role we each must play in finding lasting solutions to the problems of racism, hate, and prejudice. (more)
