FAYETTEVILLE (KFSM) — In a letter sent to students Saturday (Nov. 12), University of Arkansas Chancellor Joseph Steinmetz addressed the current political climate after some members of the university’s community expressed concerns.
“The purpose of this letter is to assure you that our values at the University of Arkansas have not changed,” Steinmetz writes. “We still value our diverse community of faculty, staff and students, representing many faiths, beliefs, and nationalities. We still value a culture of this richness of diversity and inclusion and want to remind our community that our policy is to provide an educational and work environment in which thought, creativity, and growth are nurtured and stimulated, and in which individuals are free to realize their full potential.”
Steinmetz called the university a place of work and study for students, faculty and staff that is free of all forms of discrimination, intimidation and exploitation.
“We must help each other and strive for civility, give each other a hand,” he writes. “I’m not talking about “political correctness.” I’m talking about being kind to each other. We can embrace our differences, talk about them productively and find a path forward. We must look out for our friends in all communities, those of all political stripes, and religions.”
Steinmetz then provided a list of resources on campus where students, faculty and staff can share their thoughts and concerns. He also announced the launch of a campus-wide series on social issues and encouraged the U of A community to participate. In that vein, Steinmetz mentioned “Project Unify,” which is a campaign announced by players on the Razorback women’s basketball team as an alternative to kneeling during the national anthem.
