Town Hall to Focus on Diversity and Inclusion
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 25, 2016) — Executive board members of the University of Kentucky Black Graduate and Professional Student Association (BGPSA) are organizing a town hall event titled "UK Call to Action" in collaboration with the Social Justice Advocacy Group (SJAG) and concerned undergraduate students. The town hall event is scheduled for 7 to 9 p.m. Monday, Feb. 29, in the Singletary Center for the Arts Recital Hall.
In recent months, President Eli Capilouto has met on two occasions with concerned students to discuss a variety of issues and concerns.
As stated in their open letter, “Addressing the university community at this event will foster a sense of trust, transparency and help alleviate frustration among African/African-American students.”
“Moreover, it will provide accountability for UK administration to rigorously and swiftly address these concerns,” said the organizers.
UK senior administrators have accepted an invitation from the organizers to participate at the town hall event. Speakers will include:
- Provost Tim Tracy,
- Interim Vice President for Institutional Diversity Terry Allen,
- Interim Vice President of Student Affairs Victor Hazard,
- Senior Vice Provost for Academic Excellence Charley Carlson, and
- Assistant Provost for Faculty Advancement Sonja Feist-Price.
Each administrator will also take questions after providing comments. Specifically, the speakers will share initiatives already in progress as well as efforts that are resulting from the ongoing dialogue between students, President Eli Capilouto and other senior administrators.
"It will take the UK Board of Trustees, administrators, faculty and staff at all levels to rigorously commit to improving the racial campus climate at UK," said town hall organizers. "Let us continue to work together, openly and transparently, in order to create an environment that truly promotes equality, equity, inclusion and diversity at the University of Kentucky."
The #UKCallToAction Open Letter can be viewed here.
The #UKCallToAction Open Letter can be signed here.
If you are unable to attend the town hall, you can watch the live stream of the event here.
UK is the University for Kentucky. At UK, we are educating more students, treating more patients with complex illnesses and conducting more research and service than at any time in our 150-year history. To read more about the UK story and how you can support continued investment in your university and the Commonwealth, go to: uky.edu/uk4ky. #uky4ky #seeblue
MEDIA CONTACT: Blair Hoover, 859-257-6398; blair.hoover@uky.edu