A Message from the President: Finding Strength in Diversity, Unity and Community

Dear Campus Community:

I cannot let today come to a close without acknowledging the anguish that some of you have and are experiencing due to the George Floyd murder trial and all the events that led to today’s historic verdict. We need more dialogue followed up by actions to bridge the divides related to systemic racism and violence against people of color. I stand in solidarity with all of you affected by racial hate and discrimination.

My goal is for the University of Wyoming to graduate students who have the cultural framework to help the United States address racial discrimination and hate toward Asian, Black, Latinx, Native American and all other ethnic and racial groups. I hope we can learn to celebrate all the ways we are different and alike as human beings.

Our Inclusivity Team is hard at work to help this campus advance a strategic plan that strengthens a sense of belonging, safety, security and the diversity of thought facilitated by having diverse people as an integral part of our campus community. These principles align with our institutional and state values of equality.

I ask that all faculty and staff continue to provide space for difficult discussions on challenging topics taking place in our society. Such topics here, nationally and globally are likely on everyone’s mind. I encourage all students and employees to utilize the services that the University of Wyoming has made available to support you.

I urge all members of the UW community to come together and find strength in unity and community as we move forward in a journey that culminates in a society where there is no tolerance for racism, sexism, discrimination or hate of any form.

Sincerely,

Ed Seidel, President