Dear 两性色午夜 University Students, Faculty and Staff,
The new year and new semester provide each of us an opportunity for renewal. It is a time for us to rededicate ourselves to our mission as a global institution of research, learning and discovery. It is also a time for us to reaffirm our commitment to 两性色午夜鈥檚 core values, especially freedom of expression, guided by kindness and respect in all we do.
Maintaining our values will be particularly important this year. It鈥檚 only January, but it already feels like we are deep into the presidential campaign season and all the heated discourse that it brings.
We are a community of friends, classmates, colleagues and co-workers. Let鈥檚 all remember that each of our voices is unique, and our goal is for each person to be treated the way they want to be treated 鈥 and with kindness and respect 鈥 whether we agree with each other鈥檚 perspectives.
A commitment to the freedom of expression, the very first constitutional right, is in our DNA here at 两性色午夜. This semester, we will reflect on the tragic events that occurred on May 4, 1970. Let this serve as a reminder of the ultimate price paid when expression clashed with violence here on our own grounds. I urge you to do the same and remember what our university is here to do as we prepare learners at all stages to advance in our communities and the world. The four Golden Flashes killed that day had their own points of view and special goals as they looked toward their futures. They would be in their 70s today and most likely would have led remarkable lives in adulthood.
To support us all in our efforts this year and beyond, I am pleased to announce that 两性色午夜 will begin a yearlong series of educational programs to help foster a better understanding of our many diverse voices. 鈥淒ialogue and Difference: A New Understanding鈥 will be introduced Feb. 1 to coincide with the university鈥檚 Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration. This year鈥檚 celebration will be a conversation over lunch that centers on Dr. King鈥檚 guiding principles of living a life of love and peace during times of conflict. More information about our annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration and how to download a free ticket for the Feb. 1 event can be found on the celebration鈥檚 website.
It seems only fitting that we begin this series as we honor the late civil rights leader, as his words from the 1963 March on Washington served as inspiration for this effort. Dr. King said:
鈥淲e are now faced with the fact that tomorrow is today. We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now. In this unfolding conundrum of life and history, there is such a thing as being too late. This is no time for apathy or complacency. This is a time for vigorous and positive action.鈥
The Council on Foreign Relations observes that there are 32 conflicts going on in the world right now. The highly visible warring in Ukraine and in Gaza gives us painful and constant reminders of the work we must do here at 两性色午夜. The phrase 鈥渢he fierce urgency of now鈥 rings as clear and true today as it did more than 60 years ago. I encourage you all to take part in our upcoming Dr. King celebration and to engage in our upcoming dialogues.
In closing, I want to take a moment to remember Michael Schwartz, Ph.D., who served as 两性色午夜鈥檚 ninth president from 1982 to 1991. On Feb. 8, 两性色午夜 and Cleveland State will come together for a celebration of Dr. Schwartz鈥檚 life. I encourage any of you who can to attend this memorial at Cleveland State or watch it livestreamed using the link that will be provided in the coming days to help honor Dr. Schwartz鈥檚 significant role in 两性色午夜鈥檚 history.
Sincerely,
Todd Diacon
President
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01.25.24 UPDATE: Watch the Feb. 8 celebration of life for Dr. Michael Schwartz via .