Dean Perry Shares Message About NAACP Travel Advisory
Above, Westminster students gather for lunch and discussion during a Diversity Dialogue event. A signature Westminster program that strives to unify people from different backgrounds with differing life experiences, Diversity Dialogues are held throughout the year and aim to both educate and celebrate diversity.
The recent travel advisory issued by the NAACP has generate much discussion in Missouri and across the United States. Below, Senior Vice President and Dean of Faculty Dr. Carolyn Perry shares her perspective as Westminster prepares to welcome new and returning students to campus for the 2017-18 academic year.
Dear Westminster Campus Community,
The next couple of weeks will be a busy and exciting time on campus as students move in and the entire campus prepares for a new academic year. The energy is palpable as our diverse campus comes together to focus on our students’ futures – and indeed, the future for us all.
Last week, the NAACP issued a Travel Advisory for the state of Missouri, effective through August 28th, 2017. It calls for “African American travelers, visitors and Missourians to pay special attention and exercise extreme caution when traveling throughout the state given the series of questionable, race-based incidents occurring statewide recently…” See the NAACP story.
At Westminster College, we are dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and will continue to do everything we can do to ensure that African Americans and all people remain welcome, safe, and feel included, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, age, disability, or sexual orientation. I invite you to review Westminster’s diversity resources and direct our students and others to these resources as needed.
The NAACP Travel Advisory is a reminder to remain dedicated and vigilant in our stance for equality and justice for all. As we begin a new semester together, let us do so with clarity. Westminster College is a uniquely powerful academic community of transformative growth that unleashes leaders of purpose. And yes, all students are welcome here.
Sincerely,
Dr. Carolyn Perry
Senior Vice President of the College and Dean of Faculty
