Dear colleagues,
Today, I joined with the deans of 10 of the nation’s leading schools of journalism and communication to sign a statement reaffirming the critical role of journalism in our democracy, and our responsibility as journalism educators to confront and challenge racism in our communities and in our institutions.
This statement reaffirms the Cronkite School’s commitment – and my personal commitment – to inclusion and diversity in everything we do. But while it’s important for the leaders of journalism to take this united stand, particularly on Juneteenth, which commemorates the end of slavery in the United States, statements aren’t enough.
Over the next few weeks and months, we will be holding deep conversations with Cronkite students, faculty, staff and alumni to learn how they have experienced the school and what we need to do better. We’ll be looking at policies, curriculum, how incidents of discrimination are identified and reported, and how we can create an environment in which everyone feels welcome and safe.
It’s critically important that this process is inclusive, with as many voices and ideas as possible, which means we need you. You’ll be hearing from us shortly about how you can get involved.
Thank you,
Kristin Gilger
Interim Dean
Reynolds Professor in Business Journalism
Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication