The Sutherland Plaza at Penn State Abington.
The Penn State Abington community, like our nation, faces a level of stress and disruption that is unprecedented. In particular, people of color in our community are feeling fear, sadness, and the continued need for fundamental change that has been too long deferred.
We unequivocally stand with those demanding justice. Current events have given us a sense of urgency to protect our community and to see that our students have the support they need to reach their educational goals.
Penn State Abington joins with Penn State's leadership in acknowledging the need to better model inclusivity, more fully embrace the power that diversity represents, and build upon the promise we offer as a world-class public university to lead change. We are examining our own practices and believe we have an obligation to do better.
I am writing to you today to pledge our engagement in this battle for social justice in the world, and in our own backyard – at Penn State Abington. We must do better as individuals, as a community, and as a society. I challenge you to learn, change, and grow along with me.
I urge you to take advantage of these opportunities to think, reflect, and take action:
- attend town halls and teach ins, such as the Toward Racial Equity at Penn State: Social Difference, Social Equity, and Social Change series on Sept. 8.
- review Penn State initiatives announced in June by President Eric. J. Barron.
- learn about anti-racism initiatives.
- report instances of bias and injustice.
- exercise your rights: Penn State Abington Votes; Student Government Association: [email protected].
- invest in self-care: Counseling and Psychological Services.
- explore, celebrate, and learn about the rich cultures of Penn State Abington: Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
Andrew August
Interim Chancellor, Penn State Abington
About Penn State Abington
Penn State Abington provides an affordable, accessible and high-impact education resulting in the success of a diverse student body. It is committed to student success through innovative approaches to 21st-century public higher education within a world-class research university. With nearly 4,000 students, Penn State Abington is a residential campus that offers baccalaureate degrees in 22 majors, undergraduate research, the Schreyer Honors College, NCAA Division III athletics, and more.