Message to the Campus Community

Dear Colleagues,

In the last two weeks there has been media coverage regarding an individual who was recently hired by Delta State University, and online comments that were made by that individual prior to their employment at this university. For those in the campus community who have been seeking a statement from me on this subject, I offer this response. Not only am I sharing my thoughts with you, my colleagues, but I have communicated — and will continue to do so — with students on this matter.

I acknowledge that this response, which does not include an announcement of a personnel action, will be viewed as insufficient by some and appropriate by others. I would not be worthy of my office if I didn’t accept that free expression at Delta State University means I am subject to your assessment and criticism. I welcome your responses — both positive and negative. I still have a great deal to learn about this institution’s culture, and I am receptive to your feedback.

The United States Constitution protects the freedom of speech. The price of a free society is that we must, on occasion, watch our fellow citizens exercise that freedom in ways we might find unpleasant or harmful. In such cases, our best response is to honor the pledge of our inheritance and use our own speech to assert what we believe to be true and right. It is especially important on a university campus to uphold and protect free speech.

Yet, even the most diehard defenders of free speech concede that organizations and institutions can set professional expectations. A university community can, and should, hold itself to standards of behavior which supports the educational mission. Toward this end, Delta State University has articulated principles to which students, faculty, and staff are to aspire. The expectation of respect for expressed institutional values, adopted via the instruments of shared governance, is not in conflict with the right to free speech.

When we choose to work, teach, or study at Delta State University, we choose to enter “an inclusive academic community that fosters productive intellectual exchange while bridging gaps in the differences in the human experience.”

When we choose to work, teach, or study at Delta State University, we choose to maintain “a learning and working environment free from sexual and gender-based discrimination or harassment.”

When we choose to work, teach, or study at Delta State University, we choose to govern our behavior with “integrity, civility, accountability, and a commitment to excellence.” (see “Statement of Ethics”)

When we choose to work, teach, or study at Delta State University, we choose to “create a climate where students, employees, and constituents are valued and nurtured.” (see “Guiding Principles”)

Voluntarily joining any community of learning brings with it obligations. Anyone who might contemplate future threats against the health, safety, and rights of others on this campus ought not expect to use “free speech” as a means to protect themselves against the consequences of unprofessional behavior. It is also the case that, as a community of learning, we should hold ourselves mutually accountable to live up to the principles and expectations of this university.

I value behaviors, activities, and ideas that support the recruitment, retention, and graduation of students. Conversely, I take a dim view of that which drives students away from this wonderful place. Every interaction with a student — no matter how innocuous or brief — can take on a positive vector when we assist, uplift, and honor that student, or it can take on a negative vector when we denigrate, reject, or alienate that student.

In classrooms, in offices, in labs, in performance spaces, indeed on the on the very Quad itself — that lovely green heart of campus — we can choose to heal or wound our university one student at a time. When we hold students to a standard of excellence, and even when we share with them unwelcome news, we are obliged to act out of benevolence; this is no place for contempt.

Regards,

Daniel J. Ennis
President