FRESNO, CA (KMJ) – Fresno State President Joseph I. Castro released a statement on Monday, in regards to the recent shootings across the country. Castro calls on campus leaders to create a positive environment. In 2015, the Fresno State race demographics were 3% black, 46% Hispanic and 22% white.
Here’s Castro’s letter in full:
Dear campus community,
This is a difficult, but I believe, important message to write to our campus community. As your university president, I am compelled to acknowledge the reality that each of us is impacted by the acts of violence that occurred in our nation last week. As we strive to provide a safe, welcoming and inclusive campus for all of our students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends, it is in our best interest to acknowledge and reflect upon these types of current events – even though it is challenging to do so.
These are, indeed, troubling and disturbing times in our society. Last Tuesday, images of Alton Sterling being shot and killed by police officers filled social media and television. Wednesday, images of Minnesota school worker Philando Castile being shot and killed by a police officer dominated the media. Thursday we were met with images of the scene where five Dallas police officers were shot and killed and seven officers and civilians were wounded. These recent acts of violence come on the heels of the mass shooting in Orlando, Florida. My sympathies and condolences go out to all of the families and communities deeply hurt by these tragedies.
Each of us is processing and understanding these incidents through our individual perspectives. I view them as a father of three children and a Latino who was raised by a single mother and grandparents. For a period of time during my childhood in the Valley, I lived in an apartment complex alongside mostly Latino and African American children whose lives were shaped – and sometimes completely altered – by incidents of violence that occurred on a regular basis. While decades have passed since then, events such as those last week are a stark reminder of the challenges that our society continues to face in creating an environment where all can fulfill their potential.
As we grieve these acts of violence, I call upon the campus community to respond with a renewed commitment to respect, compassion and understanding. I continue to assert what I have put forth in my Diversity and Inclusion Statement: “We are dedicated to reducing any barriers to success that come from race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, culture, religion, sex, national origin, color, linguistic diversity, ability, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, geographical region, personality, learning styles, life experiences and other human characteristics.” (President’s Commission on Human Relations and Equity)
Working to reduce barriers is an ongoing effort. Your leadership on campus and in our community can make a positive difference in creating an environment where everyone can thrive. Please join me by attending monthly Conversations on Inclusion and Equity (the next one is July 21) or by attending our next Forum on Inclusion, Respect and Equity scheduled for Sept. 28-29. Details on both can be found here: President’s Commission on Human Relations and Equity.
Please also take advantage of the wide range of learning experiences offered by the President’s Commission on Human Relations and Equity, the Cross Cultural and Gender Center and other campus programs and services.
I want you to know that we also have resources available for those of you who feel a need to discuss these issues in a safe and confidential manner. Contact Human Resources, Health and Psychological Services or the Cross Cultural and Gender Center for assistance.
Let’s work together to model for our region and beyond a boldly inclusive and equitable environment where everyone can thrive. We – and the generations that follow us – deserve the best.
Sincerely,
Joseph I. Castro, Ph.D., M.P.P.
President
