Some Lawrence University students feel creating an inclusive campus is an issue that needs work. They recently took part in compiling a list of demands back in November and submitting them to the University’s president. Things like appointing a Chief Diversity officer, expanding the schools’s ethnic curriculum, and promoting safety and acceptance in the city of Appleton.
Jamie Gonzalez is the chair of the Committee on Diversity Affairs at Lawrence. He calls the list a chance a chance to have their voices heard.
University President Mark Burstein spent the Christmas break looking over the demands. And he found many of those concerns had merit and needed to be addressed. He sent out an email as classes resume this week that addresses many of the students’ concerns, and mentions adding more ethnic studies courses, hiring more diverse faculty and staff, and increasing Diversity Center resources.
Gonzalez is cautiously optimistic. He says Burstein’s work in taking an active role in the discussion gives him the feeling that positive change will happen.
WTAQ
