This article has been updated since its original publication.
Kennesaw State President Dr. Pamela Whitten attended a meeting with the Presidential Commission on Racial and Ethnic Diversity on Thursday, Oct. 18, to discuss issues with diversity on campus.
Leaders from the African American Student Alliance, the Student Government Association, Ladies of Distinction, the African American Initiative, KSUnited, the African American Male Initiative and many others including international faculty and staff members spoke with Whitten about recent events that have occurred on campus relating to issues of racial tension and diversity.
CORED co-chair Nicole Simmons said that issues discussed included the current racial climate on campus, international faculty and staff concerns and student grievances. She also said that the kneeling protest of the five KSU cheerleaders during the national anthem last year was briefly hinted at during the meeting.
Potential solutions were suggested, but co-chair Debarati Sen said the meeting was more of an information session for Whitten. Sen said Whitten was receptive and took a lot of notes.
Sen added that the faculty and staff body is not as diverse as the student body, but she is confident in Whitten’s ability to make the campus more inclusive.
“[Whitten] is very forthcoming,” Simmons said. “She seemed like she was very interested in getting to the bottom of whatever the problem is.”
“I’m glad to have President Whitten here,” co-chair NeCall Wilson said.”I feel like she’s going to stay. She’s put down roots, and that’s how you create change. That’s how you build a legacy.”
Whitten later said that she was happy to meet with the commission and listen to their thoughts on diversity at KSU.
“The members were thoughtful and thorough in sharing a number of issues and ideas related to students, faculty and staff,” Whitten said. “We had an insightful and respectful dialogue, and it was obvious that we all share the same goals around ensuring a campus that is inclusive and welcoming for all. Most importantly, I gained valuable insights, which I believe will help shape future discussions as we continue to work together to elevate the university around these issues.”
According to CORED’s presentation that they prepared for the meeting, students have voiced concerns about issues of racial incidents and racial tension for students of color. The presentation states that there are “little to no consequences for reporting racial incidents or bias or discrimination,” and there is a lack of support for students of color who want to voice their opinions at the university.
KSUnited has made several demands for the university such as strong repercussions and sanctions being added to KSU policy regarding racist actions and racial bias, student-led cultural awareness, diversity and anti-racism training for student, faculty, staff, Greek Life, advising departments and student organizations. KSUnited also demanded that KSU hire more diverse faculty and staff to equal that of KSU’s student body.
Staff concerns include being able to use the term “social justice” without fear of facing repercussions, lack of safe spaces on campus for staff members to voice their opinions without the fear of backlash, issues with the staff hiring process and more.
Faculty concerns involve academic freedom in regards to diversity issues an topics as well as promotion and tenure.
International faculty face concerns with issues before arriving to KSU and at orientation week, issues with promotion and tenure, visa renewal and permanent resident application issues and a lack of sharing spaces for international faculty and staff.
Alexa Vaca, organizer of KSUnited, formerly known as TakeAKneeKSU, said that CORED meetings occur monthly in Prillaman Hall. All meetings are open to the KSU community.
CORED is a part of KSU’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion. According to its web page, CORED’s purpose is to shape appropriate plans, mechanisms, forums, and/or events for a continuing dialogue on issues of race and ethnicity on the KSU campus.
