University of Nebraska President Ted Carter on Monday sent an open letter to Nebraskans addressing the UNL Journey for Anti-Racism and Racial Equity plan that was released by UNL Chancellor Ronnie Green last week.
That five pronged plan is designed to advance diversity, position academic excellence and learning through diversity, promote equity and inclusion, build an anti-racist infrastructure and acknowledge the impact of COVID-19 on under-resourced and minority communities.
Green says actions in the plan include providing regular anti-racist teaching seminars and reviewing the university’s current hiring processes in the context of race. In his letter, Carter said not every Nebraskan, nor every member of the university community, will agree with every element of the plan.
“I do believe most Nebraskans agree we can do more to make our state, our university, a more welcoming and accessible place for all. As we see in the headlines daily, our workforce challenges are urgent, and we do not retain enough of our young people. Too many students from disadvantaged backgrounds do not enroll in college and graduate, and those who do don’t see enough people like them in our faculty and administrative ranks. In fact, the difference in college attainment between whites and minorities in Nebraska is 25 percent – third-worst in the country.”
Carter says making certain Nebraska is a place where everyone can succeed is critical to maintaining growth and competitiveness for future generations. He applauded Green for bravely beginning the dialogue.
Carter also say there are some things the University won’t do. “We will not impose critical race theory, nor any theory, upon students. We will not hire candidates based on their skin color. We will not close our doors to any qualified student. We will not limit the free, robust exchange of ideas on campus – one of the most cherished ideals in higher learning.”
On Monday Governor Pete Ricketts said Green misled him on the plan during a phone call and says he was told it was just an effort to add more minority students and staff. “I was misled by Ronnie Green. I have lost all faith in Ronnie Green. I don’t believe anything he says anymore. I don’t know how you get that back. I could not be more disgusted with what just happened.”
Ricketts believes the university failed in implementing the diversity plan, saying they need to start all over. “What we should be striving for and what America is about, is equal opportunity. Making sure we’re getting individuals opportunities to succeed. We cannot guarantee equal outcomes. That’s Marxism. That’s Communism, that’s not America” Ricketts says. “This thing is completely off base.”
(Photo: UNL)