Editor’s note: The following statement provided by Dr. Aaron Thompson, President, Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education.
The Council on Postsecondary Education is committed to the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion. In the aftermath of the senseless deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Louisville native Breonna Taylor, we are called upon to deepen this commitment. We are called upon to act.
Racism has no place in a civilized society. The inequities in our criminal justice system, in income, and in healthcare are in large part due to inequities in our educational systems. We can no longer accept disparities in educational attainment due to race, income or ethnicity. Kentucky’s higher education system must increase access and success for every single one of us.
CPE has implemented a diversity policy that requires campuses to close achievement gaps and create more inclusive campus climates. This means teaching students to examine our history with a critical lens, to value opposing viewpoints and to treat everyone with respect. We are prepared to do more by developing a certification process for cultural competence.
Higher education increases our ability to approach situations with reason, empathy and creativity. It is a powerful force against prejudice and fear. We have an opportunity to emerge from this moment as a more just and equitable society. The Council pledges to use its power – as a convener and policy maker – to heal these divides and work for constructive change.
