Last week over 100 people joined us for live chat during the Watch Party of the Regent's joint committee meeting on August 4, 2020. The Regents heard from President Kennedy, Chief Diversity Officer Theodosia Cook, and from each Chancellor at CU's four campuses. Each presenter spoke about the ongoing "diversity and inclusion" efforts happening at each campus. Only one presenter made it clear (Theodosia Cook) they have been and will be consulting BIPOC members for their work. 

 

The Regents who were present then each made statements. Some mentioned accountability, which is good, but mostly the message from the Regents was that they need more reports. Reports don't change people's lives, and reports don't make BIPOC members feel safe nor comfortable on campus! The discussion on diversifyCUnow's live chat emphasized we do not support blanket statements and we can see right through general statements chosen to try and make leaders look good to the Regents. This is not the time to try and look good. This is the time to admit your inaction has perpetuated the lack of ethnic diversity. This is the time to demonstrate how you are going to do better.

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A few people in the committee meeting kept bringing up that there are "different forms" of diversity and we should be including diversity of thought. This is a well known rhetoric used to deflect from the main issue at hand - BIPOC students do not feel safe nor comfortable on campus.

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There is no need for reports.

The Regents need to take impactful action NOW!