August 3, 2023<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”30″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_spacing=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id=”presidents-office”][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_spacing=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”3\/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]Dear Colleagues,<\/p>\n 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 \u2014 and will continue to do so \u2014 with students on this matter.<\/p>\n 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\u2019t accept that free expression at Delta State University means I am subject to your assessment and criticism. I welcome your responses \u2014 both positive and negative. I still have a great deal to learn about this institution\u2019s culture, and I am receptive to your feedback.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n When we choose<\/a> to work, teach, or study at Delta State University, we choose to enter \u201can inclusive academic community that fosters productive intellectual exchange while bridging gaps in the differences in the human experience.\u201d<\/p>\n When we choose<\/a> to work, teach, or study at Delta State University, we choose to maintain \u201ca learning and working environment free from sexual and gender-based discrimination or harassment.\u201d<\/p>\n