In his Convocation address to incoming first-year students, Kent State University President Todd Diacon emphasized the importance of the institution's core values, particularly in light of recent global events and the upcoming U.S. presidential election.
Diacon stressed the significance of respecting freedom of speech while practicing kindness and respect.
"It is now more vital than ever that we allow others to speak their minds without fear of retribution," Diacon said. "And it is now more vital than ever that we respond with kindness, that we respond with respect when encountering ideas and statements we may disagree with."
View the president's remarks:
The president urged students to avoid demonizing those with different political views, emphasizing the complexity of human nature.
"Don't make a person's political opinions your single measuring stick for what kind of person they are," Diacon said. "Reality is far too complicated to draw such sharp distinctions."
Diacon underscored the enduring importance of unity and mutual respect on campus as he reiterated, "Let's really try to get along with each other, and let's try to get along with each other by practicing our core values of embracing free speech and practicing kindness and respect."
Diacon concluded his address by referencing the jazz composition, "The Creator Has a Master Plan" by Pharoah Sanders, using it as a metaphor for the challenges and triumphs students may face during their time at Kent State.
He assured students, "We are here to help you navigate these roiled waters. We are here to get you to the other side," while reinforcing the university's commitment to inclusivity and resspect.
"At Kent State, we ask you to treat others as you wish to be treated. We ask you to treat others as they wish to be treated. You be you. Practice your First Amendment right to free speech and practice kindness and respect in all you do."