Dear Kent State University Students,
Over the past two weeks, we have seen the Rock, a proud tradition on Kent State’s Kent Campus where students share their voices, painted with language that is offensive and insulting to our campus, specifically to members of our Black community. After the initial defacing, the Rock was covered with a message of unity. However, shortly after and again on Monday, the Rock was once again covered with a hateful message. This is unacceptable and goes against Kent State’s core values and mission for a diverse, inclusive environment.
Please join Black United Students, the Undergraduate Student Government, the Division of Student Affairs and the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for a virtual town hall on Thursday, Sept. 10, at 5 p.m. We will use this time to discuss how we can support our community members who have been hurt by these actions and how we can all contribute to a better future moving forward. The town hall will be recorded and featured on our website for any who are unable to attend but would like to be involved in the discussion.
Please use the below link to register for the town hall:
Strategizing for Change: Revisiting the Rock
Thursday, Sept. 10
5 p.m.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Kent State is a vibrant, diverse community that values freedom of speech but does not tolerate hate. We believe that Flashes Take Care of Flashes, and it is this responsibility to one another that allows us to have difficult conversations with respect for all. We hope you will be able to join us for this dialogue.
Thank you,
Tayjua Hines
President, Black United Students
Tiera Moore,
Student Body President, Undergraduate Student Government
Lamar R. Hylton, Ph.D.
Vice President for Student Affairs
Amoaba Gooden, Ph.D.
Interim Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Chair, Department of Pan-African Studies