Apr. 19, 2007

A civil community

Sometimes in the rush of local events and the national news, we may feel overwhelmed—especially this week, especially now. It's normal to feel sad and to grieve the shootings at Virginia Tech. It's acceptable to feel powerful emotions. It's also okay to smile in our glorious spring weather, to pour our energies into VEISHEA, and to feel good about what we have to show and share with the larger community.

It is not okay to discriminate against difference, to create a hostile learning or living environment for our students, or to intimidate anyone on this campus. Some of our Asian students in this college are feeling the sting of backlash. This is not okay. It is essential that each and every one of us demonstrates respect and appreciation for all members of our community.

I attended the last public address that the great educator Ernest Boyer delivered before he died. I still have my notes. He emphasized the components that make up a civil campus community. We would all benefit from a review of these thoughts.

Boyer urged us to create and support an educationally purposeful community. We have. It is noteworthy that our college vision is to enhance human potential. But Boyer went further: He urged us to create an open community where freedom of expression is uncompromisingly protected; a just community where the sacredness of each person is honored; a disciplined community where governance guides behavior for the common good; and a caring community where each member is sensitively supported and where service to others is encouraged. This is what we need to act on now. Boyer's final thought, however, was that every college campus should be a celebratory community.

So as we work to heal and support, we should also enjoy VEISHEA while affirming our commitment to our ideals.

Kindest regards,
Cheryl Achterberg, Dean