Message from Provost McNamee, 8/24/06

Virginia Tech is committed to diversity among faculty, staff, and students and is committed to creating and sustaining an inclusive, supportive environment for all members of the university community. The “Principles of Community” provide a compelling guide for our actions. In support of broad institutional goals, the university has developed and implemented a wide array of programs, policies, and practices designed to promote and support diversity and multicultural opportunities for all faculty, staff, and students. Despite our efforts, we still struggle in addressing issues directly related to race and racism, especially around issues affecting our underrepresented African American and Latino communities. We have not yet established a consistent track record of success that sustains confidence among our underrepresented faculty, staff, and students of color. The protest last semester surrounding the non-reappointment of an African American faculty member underscores the fragile nature of our situation. In order to focus attention on race issues without diminishing our broader commitment to diversity, I propose a two-part plan of action. First, a special “Taskforce on Race and the Institution” will be created to examine issues of race and racism at Virginia Tech. The goal of the taskforce is to identify key issues and to propose specific actions that will enhance our opportunities to make lasting progress. Second, the Commission on Equal Opportunity and Diversity, in partnership with the Office of Multicultural Affairs and the Office of Equal Opportunity, will update our Diversity Strategic Plan, which was issued in 2000. As part of the updated plan, the university community will be provided with a comprehensive summary and analysis of all the current programs, activities, and funding associated with diversity and multicultural efforts for faculty, students, and staff. The updated plan will be linked to the University Strategic Plan and will provide specific ways to measure progress. Both efforts will be substantially completed by the end of the fall semester 2006.

The Taskforce on Race and the Institution consists of faculty, staff, and students with a demonstrated understanding of issues of race and racism and a commitment to institutional progress. The taskforce will use current research related to race in higher education to identify key issues that need to be addressed; review the current situation at Virginia Tech; review position papers and plans developed over the past 2-3 years by various members of the Virginia Tech community; identify the most important issues at Virginia Tech that limit our progress in recruitment and retention, and in creating an inclusive, supportive climate; propose both short-term and long-term action items and strategies that will promote institutional progress based on an analysis of best practices; and identify additional research or follow-up studies that are needed to extend or sustain the work of the taskforce. I am personally committed to the success of the taskforce and will provide appropriate staff and financial support. I want to be part of the solution and I will be available throughout the process to participate in the deliberations to the extent desired by the group.

A written progress report from the taskforce will be submitted by the end of fall semester 2006 and the report will be made available for discussion within the university. We have an opportunity as a university community to address issues of race in an open and constructive manner, and I am confident the taskforce will make a difference. President Steger and Executive Vice President Hyatt join me in pledging our support to these efforts.