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September
09/21/2001
Ithaca College Schedules Forum;
President Williams Issues Statement on Diversity and Respect
Ithaca, NY--In the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of September 11, we continue to try to make meaning of the media images that we see, and to understand our emotional and human reaction to these events and the information that narrates and analyzes them. On Tuesday, September 25, members of the College faculty and chaplaincy will lead a community discussion of this extraordinary experience from both their professional and personal perspectives. Titled "Trauma, Media, War?--9/11 and its Aftermath: A Conversation," the forum will be held at 7:30 p.m. in the Emerson Suites, Phillips Hall. It is free and open to the public.
Serving as panelists for the forum will be Christopher Harper, the Park Distinguished Chair in Communications; Marian MacCurdy, associate professor and chair of the writing department; and Zenon Wasyliw, associate professor of history. Protestant chaplain Allison Stokes will serve as moderator. The forum is sponsored by the Offices of the President and Provost.
On a related note, Ithaca College president Peggy R. Williams issued the following statement on diversity and respect in the College community:
STATEMENT FROM PRESIDENT PEGGY R. WILLIAMSSeptember 19, 2001
Reflecting on the tragic events of Tuesday, September 11, 2001, I would like to share a few thoughts with members of the Ithaca College community.
We continue to extend our hearts and prayers to the families of the victims, to the courageous volunteers, and to all affected both directly and indirectly by this tragedy. It is our collective responsibility during this difficult and challenging time to support one another and to be sensitive to what each one of us is dealing with. This is a time for us to come together as a community with a call for calm and respect, not a time to rush to judgment or seek senseless retribution.
It is clear that something fundamental in our society--and the world society--must change. Such change must have, at its root, the desire to develop the capacity to live together peacefully--with difference and with respect. A first step is to refrain from cowardly acts of hatred and disrespect--especially during this time of increased patriotic pride.
Like many others, I am troubled by recent reports of harassment and threats to Arab Americans and Muslims across the country and even here on campus. In accordance with our longstanding commitment to non-discrimination, Ithaca College will not tolerate actions targeted at individuals based on their actual or perceived racial, religious, or ethnic backgrounds. As an institution and community that values diversity, we must rise above such negative behavior and resist stereotyping and scapegoating.
We come together in Ithaca from diverse backgrounds in the pursuit of education. Each member of this community is important and valued. Keeping true to the College's mission statement, we share the responsibilities of citizenship and service here and in the global community. I extend the challenge to all of us to dig deep into our hearts and souls and find whatever we must to turn these horrific events into the most important lessons of our lifetime while exercising compassion, restraint, and respect for one another.
I strongly implore you to do your part in helping Ithaca College to be a model for others to follow and a light during this time of darkness.
Contact: Dave Maley
Office: (607) 274-1440
news@ithaca.eduReference: 789
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