President’s speeches, letters, and articles
Subject: Community gathering: a message from President Bilger, Vice Presidents, and Deans
March 30, 2022
Dear students, faculty, and staff,
Over the past few days, a video of a Reed professor has called into question the college’s commitment to anti-racism, diversity, and inclusion. Our work to become an anti-racist institution is ongoing, requiring continual commitment and engagement so that we are able to welcome and support all students, faculty, and staff, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, races, cultures, ethnicities, nationalities, and genders.
We would like to take steps with you to strengthen trust within our community. To that end, we extend an invitation for students, faculty, and staff to come together on April 6, 2022, from 2:30 to 4 p.m. in Kaul Auditorium to reflect on and share the impact of recent events—and to discuss systemic issues impeding our campus efforts. We recognize that this time will not work for everyone, and we will work to schedule additional opportunities for discussion.
We are grateful for the steady work of the Office for Institutional Diversity, Reed committees on diversity, and other groups on campus that inform the steps we have taken, and will take, to build community, support all community members, and create a climate that is safe and welcoming. Actions for the future will be further informed by review of the ongoing student climate survey and upcoming faculty and staff climate surveys.
Interim Dean for Institutional Diversity Tony Boston is convening the groups on campus that have long engaged in this work in order to hear their thoughts. Gatherings with our faculty and staff Affinity Groups will also be arranged. We encourage you to share other ideas with Tony by emailing him at tboston@reed.edu.
Individual resources are available to support you as you navigate the coming weeks. Students will find strategies for care and support in the recent email from Vice President McConnell-Black. Please contact the Office of Student Life at student-life@reed.edu for additional resources and support. Faculty and staff, the Employee Assistance Program connects you to a library of confidential resources. Reed's Affinity Groups are spaces that offer camaraderie and encouragement. We encourage you to share your thoughts and concerns.
These are challenging, full days on our campus, and we are grateful for the extra effort you are all devoting to connecting with each other and cultivating trust. These steps are the basis for anti-racism, and these efforts require reflection and action. We join you in these efforts.
Sincerely,
Audrey Bilger
President
Tony Boston
Interim Dean for Institutional Diversity
Karnell McConnell-Black
Vice President for Student Life
Kathy Oleson
Dean of the Faculty and Professor of Psychology
Hugh Porter
Vice President for College Relations and Planning
Milyon Trulove
Vice President and Dean of Admission and Financial Aid
Lynn Valenter
Vice President of Finance and Treasurer