ANDERSON, S.C. (courtesy andersonuniversity.edu) — Statement on racism and loss from the Anderson University Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Team:
The Anderson University Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Team abhors and condemns racism in all forms, including racist language, publications, teachings, actions, physical violence, and all other racist behaviors. Such behaviors seek to diminish the dignity, rights, or value of the intended victim(s), diminish the perpetrator who would seek to carry out such acts, and therefore diminish the community itself, harming all of its individual members.
At this time, we mourn in solidarity with the families of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and for all people of color who have lost their rights, lives, or loved ones to racist acts of violence and oppression. We share in the pain, frustration, anger, dismay, and deep sadness caused by the beliefs and acts that lead to these losses. We pray for those who suffer, and we reaffirm our commitment to a plan of action that aims to further establish AU as a community of support and healing.
This is also a time to encourage prayerful self-examination, humility, repentance and reconciliation. Our shared humanity and faith in Christ require us to love and honor one another, and to take a stand for what is right and true when love and honor are absent. To do less places us in danger of being complicit in these horrific acts of violence and oppression.
We call on all members of the Anderson University community, including all students, faculty, staff and administrators, to denounce racism whenever it manifests. Committing privately or publicly to passive non-racist behavior is necessary, but not sufficient; We call on all members of the Anderson University community to act mindfully in ways that are intentionally anti-racist, whenever prejudice is encountered. We call on all brothers and sisters in the Anderson University community to honor all humanity and to treat all people with dignity and love, as fellow image-bearers of Christ, our Creator.
-The Anderson University Office of Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Team
Dr. James D Noble
Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion
Nicole Razor
Associate Head Coach of Women’s Basketball
Amy Porpilia
Director of Human Resources
William Monts
Director of Traditional Admission
Dr. Jim Fereira
Senior Vice President for Student Development
Dr. DeeDee Washington
Professor of Education
Kevin Williams, Jr.
Director of Residence Life
Nathan J. Cox
Assistant Provost and Director of the Center for Learning and Teaching Excellence
Dr. Evans P. Whitaker
President
Statement on Racism
Statement of Purpose
The Office of Diversity and Inclusion at Anderson University affirms its commitment to upholding the Bible as the sole authority for faith and practice. For God and humanity, we are an intentionally Christ-centered, diverse community believing that all people are image bearers of God. Genesis 1:27
We further affirm Anderson University’s commitment to creating an environment in which every individual is an accepted, respected and valued member of the campus community, regardless of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, age, religion, genetic information, veteran or military status.
(See Anderson University’s Non-Discrimination Policy)
Racism
We acknowledge and reaffirm our strong opposition to racial injustice, ethnic oppression, acts of hate, discrimination, and prejudice. Racism in all its forms is a sin and an affront to the Christian values of the Holy Bible. We affirm our deep Christian commitment to uphold God’s Word concerning racism:
God’s work:
God created all human beings equally: “Then God said, Let us make man in our image, according to our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” Genesis 1:26-27
God created one race of people, the human race: “And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their pre-appointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings.” Acts 17:26
God loves all ethnicities: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16
God celebrates multiethnicity: After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands.” Revelation 7:9
The Bible teaches us to:
Reject division and embrace oneness: “For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation.” Ephesians 2:14
Remove barriers: There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:28
Seek reconciliation: Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:18
Stand for justice and righteousness: But let justice run down like water,
and righteousness like a mighty stream. Amos 5:24
Be peacemakers: If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Romans 12:18
Love our neighbors: If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you do well. James 2:8
Forgive:And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32
Strategic Actions
We will work to combat racism at both personal and institutional level. We affirm our commitment to on-going learning about justice and equality to disrupt systemic racism, discrimination, inequality, and marginalization.
We recognize that racism occurs with or without malicious intent, sometimes with conscious or unconscious bias. Therefore administrators, faculty, staff, and students will receive specialized development opportunities to improve listening skills, and increase knowledge and cultural competencies in order to produce a more holistic campus environment. When embraced and implemented, this commitment will further create a community where each person is treated with honor, dignity, and respect.
We understand that strategic diversity and inclusion initiatives are important to the fabric of our institution and her success in furthering the cause of justice and racial equity. Therefore, every member of the Anderson University family is expected to live out the principles of this document, through which we can embrace, honor and celebrate our diverse community for the glory of God and the growth of His kingdom.