Dear Campus Community,

In the fall we began an external review on racism, conducted by Roger Worthington, Ph.D., of the Center for Diversity and Inclusion in Higher Education. The initial report on the review was released at the beginning of Block 5 as Dr. Worthington spoke to a capacity crowd of students, faculty, and staff in Celeste Theatre. The initial report was made available to the campus community on our website.

Now, in response to the external review initial report, we are scheduling consultations by seven specialists over the spring semester to focus on our curriculum; Student Life; Admission; governance; accountability; faculty development; classroom climate; faculty diversity; difficult dialogues; and the chief diversity officer. These consultants will visit campus over the remainder of this academic year to help us find ways to improve. See their bios.

In addition to bringing these consultants to help us focus on key areas, we are taking action now to make longstanding improvements in our quest to become an anti-racist institution.

Last May, we announced funds to support tenure-track positions to diversify the curriculum. We approved three positions, one each in Sociology, History, and Film and Media Studies. The first two searches are finished; the third is underway. In addition, as suggested in the initial report, Provost Alan Townsend and Dean of the Faculty Sandi Wong are now accepting proposals for post-tenure hires that would further diversify our faculty and curriculum.

We have asked each vice president, Staff Council, the Faculty Executive Committee, the CC Student Government Association, and the President's Council to identify ways their groups can move the external review initial report recommendations forward, even as we wait for the final report and recommendations. The Butler Center has initiated its fifth-year external review in continuation of its strategic anti-racism initiative in diversity, equity, and inclusion work. In addition, the faculty are carefully considering the initial report as they move forward with the General Education review and revision.

After we receive the final external review report in May, we will engage the expertise of the External Review of Racism Steering Committee - which includes alumni - and set up a timeline for implementation and assessment.

I ask each of you to carefully read the initial report and consider how we can continue this important work in meaningful, impactful ways at CC. We must take this work seriously, own it, and commit to change. These efforts will continue throughout this year, and for years to come.

Sincerely,

Jill Tiefenthaler

President