Currently, citizens across the country are protesting the death of George Floyd as well as the recent killings of Black people such as Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery. There are many other untimely deaths we could add—a list that leaves us reeling, unable to understand how racism continues to sow discord and division.
Black people should be able to go to the store, take a walk, play in a park, or sleep without fear, but often they cannot. Racism continues to defeat us, and we are left feeling angry, sad, and hopeless. Collectively, racism seems too big an enemy for flawed humans to overcome. Despite our outrage at every new injustice, the opportunity for meaningful change always seems to slip by us.
In accordance with Northeast State Community College’s stated values, we value respect and provide an environment of inclusiveness, cooperation, and diversity. We value responsibility and promote integrity, accountability, and excellence in teaching, learning, and services. We value responsiveness and facilitate personal, professional, and economic growth.
How will our stated values of respect, responsibility, and responsiveness influence your response to our students, our colleagues, and the community who are directly impacted by recent events? Can we demonstrate that through respect, responsibility, and responsiveness, you belong here is more than a catchy marketing theme?
We encourage you to engage in meaningful conversations with Black students and colleagues to gain an understanding of how they are affected by racism, discrimination, and injustice. What are their experiences in the community? What are their experiences at Northeast State?
These conversations may not be easy, but avoidance and silence do nothing to dispel stereotypes and biases, to decrease fear of differences, or to increase appreciation for persons that are different from ourselves.
We need to ask how we as individuals can help, and how the College can support our Black students and colleagues. We need to know how the College can promote integrity, accountability, and excellence in teaching, learning and services that address social justice issues and advance inclusive excellence. Empathy and an open mind will help with understanding and move us toward racial equity.
Let us actively listen and discuss topics such as sensitivity training, HR hiring policies, monthly diversity dialogues, workshops for incorporating inclusive excellence. We seek your ideas and look forward to fruitful discussions and changes.
We know many of you are hurting and seeking ways to make sense of recent events. The coronavirus pandemic has left us exhausted. We encourage you to seek help through the Employee Assistance Program that can help with stress and work/life problems. EAP Services are free and confidential to all benefits-eligible employees.
For information on the services provided by the EAP, please visit www.Here4TN.com. You can also receive assistance at any time, day or night, by calling 855-Here4TN (855.437.3486).
For questions about access and diversity and inclusive excellence, please contact Linda Calvert, our chief diversity officer, at lwcalvert@northeaststate.edu or 423.323.0222.
The senior leadership at Northeast State will work in the coming weeks, months, and years to eliminate racial bias and microaggression and make the College safer, more united, and more inclusive. We know our employees will respond, as they always do, and make Northeast State an even better place for all students to learn, grow, and thrive. Thank you.
Bethany Bullock – President
Chad Bailey – Vice President for Finance and Information Technology
Linda Calvert – Vice President for Administration and Grant Development
Susan Graybeal – Vice President for Institutional Excellence and Student Success
Connie Marshall – Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs
Sam Rowell – Vice President for Economic and Workforce Development
Currently, citizens across the country are protesting the death of George Floyd as well as the recent killings of Black people such as Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery. There are many other untimely deaths we could add—a list that leaves us reeling, unable to understand how racism continues to sow discord and division.
Black people should be able to go to the store, take a walk, play in a park, or sleep without fear, but often they cannot. Racism continues to defeat us, and we are left feeling angry, sad, and hopeless. Collectively, racism seems too big an enemy for flawed humans to overcome. Despite our outrage at every new injustice, the opportunity for meaningful change always seems to slip by us.
In accordance with Northeast State Community College’s stated values, we value respect and provide an environment of inclusiveness, cooperation, and diversity. We value responsibility and promote integrity, accountability, and excellence in teaching, learning, and services. We value responsiveness and facilitate personal, professional, and economic growth.
How will our stated values of respect, responsibility, and responsiveness influence your response to our students, our colleagues, and the community who are directly impacted by recent events? Can we demonstrate that through respect, responsibility, and responsiveness, you belong here is more than a catchy marketing theme?
We encourage you to engage in meaningful conversations with Black students and colleagues to gain an understanding of how they are affected by racism, discrimination, and injustice. What are their experiences in the community? What are their experiences at Northeast State?
These conversations may not be easy, but avoidance and silence do nothing to dispel stereotypes and biases, to decrease fear of differences, or to increase appreciation for persons that are different from ourselves.
We need to ask how we as individuals can help, and how the College can support our Black students and colleagues. We need to know how the College can promote integrity, accountability, and excellence in teaching, learning and services that address social justice issues and advance inclusive excellence. Empathy and an open mind will help with understanding and move us toward racial equity.
Let us actively listen and discuss topics such as sensitivity training, HR hiring policies, monthly diversity dialogues, workshops for incorporating inclusive excellence. We seek your ideas and look forward to fruitful discussions and changes.
We know many of you are hurting and seeking ways to make sense of recent events. The coronavirus pandemic has left us exhausted. We encourage you to seek help through the Employee Assistance Program that can help with stress and work/life problems. EAP Services are free and confidential to all benefits-eligible employees.
For information on the services provided by the EAP, please visit www.Here4TN.com. You can also receive assistance at any time, day or night, by calling 855-Here4TN (855.437.3486).
For questions about access and diversity and inclusive excellence, please contact Linda Calvert, our chief diversity officer, at lwcalvert@northeaststate.edu or 423.323.0222.
The senior leadership at Northeast State will work in the coming weeks, months, and years to eliminate racial bias and microaggression and make the College safer, more united, and more inclusive. We know our employees will respond, as they always do, and make Northeast State an even better place for all students to learn, grow, and thrive. Thank you.
Bethany Bullock – President
Chad Bailey – Vice President for Finance and Information Technology
Linda Calvert – Vice President for Administration and Grant Development
Susan Graybeal – Vice President for Institutional Excellence and Student Success
Connie Marshall – Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs
Sam Rowell – Vice President for Economic and Workforce Development
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