‘Ville Bulletin | September 21, 2017
ALERTS FOR MILLERSVILLE UNIVERSITY FACULTY, STAFF AND STUDENTS
A Message Regarding Recent Postings
Recent events across the nation have also impacted the Millersville campus. Signs recently posted by those that espouse white supremacist and neo-Nazi philosophies have appeared on MU bulletin boards and property. Vice President Hazlett’s ‘Ville Daily message outlined University priorities for postings as well as appropriate and inappropriate locations for such postings.
I want to address the posters’ message by reassuring the campus community that these philosophies are not in line with our EPPIC values which have been widely embraced by the University community. To review:
Exploration – MU strives to create an environment where we can explore what it means to be a diverse community. Faculty, students, staff and administrators began meeting last semester to brainstorm ways in which the campus community can have meaningful and impactful dialogue about who we are and how we will create a safe community for everyone.
Professionalism – We treat each other with dignity and respect as MU community members. We expect professionalism to infuse our interactions because it is possible to disagree strongly without engaging in hateful rhetoric or violent behavior. That is the essence of being a professional.
Public Mission – As a public institution, we serve the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania by educating students and hiring employees who come from all walks of life. We fulfill our mission by embracing that diversity.
Integrity – MU community members are expected to interact with each other and the global community with integrity, honor and respect. The old saying, “Charity begins at home,” is equally true for integrity.
Compassion – Perhaps the most important of all our EPPIC values for without compassion our exploration, professionalism, commitment to our public mission, and integrity lack the humanness that gives our values meaning. It is incumbent upon us to work together for social justice and equality.
There will be a number of opportunities around campus this semester for us to engage in dialogue, to practice empathy, and to treat others with dignity and respect. I challenge each of us to take advantage of those opportunities.
In the meantime, if you are feeling intimidated or concerned by recent events, I urge you to reach out to Jasmine Whitlow in the SMC, our Director of Intercultural Center for Student Engagement, or Dr. Kim Mahaffy in Washington House, our Coordinator for Diversity & Social Justice.