Eisgruber ’83 sends email about racial climate on campus

University President Christopher Eisgruber ’83 emailed University students and alumni on Sunday in response to recent demands to improve the racial climate on campus.

Eisgruber said he acknowledges the distress, pain and frustration students of color feel from a campus climate they find unwelcoming or uncaring.

He explained that he asked the University Board of Trustees to develop a process to consider the issue of thelegacy ofWoodrow Wilson, Class of 1879, at the University. He added that the University has begun the process to create cultural affinity spaces in the Carl A. Fields Center, a request made by both LatinX and the Black Justice League.

He also noted previous steps taken to improve campus climate such as the joint faculty and trustee committee to diversify the University’s faculty, staff and graduate student body and a Special Task Force on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

Eisgruber emphasized the importance of a diverse and inclusive community and the need to do more. He said this will require mutual respect and civility in discussion, as well as compassion, commitment and imagination.