Student Tribune
National Conversation on Racism in College Yearbooks
Dear College Community:
Last week, the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle newspaper was part
of a national USA Today investigation into racist photos in college
yearbooks.
The report examined yearbooks from 1975 to 1985 at local colleges, including
Monroe Community College. Democrat and Chronicle representatives tell
us that they did not find anything "noteworthy" in MCC's publications, but did
identify such images in other schools' yearbooks. The article has prompted
important conversations on college campuses nationwide.
Our college works consistently to create a safe, welcoming and inclusive
environment for faculty, staff, students and visitors. However, incidents of
racism and incivility, whether within or outside our walls, are constant
reminders that maintaining a safe, welcoming and inclusive campus community to
the level that we aspire requires a constant and diligent evaluation of how and
what we communicate. Achieving our goal of becoming a nationally-recognized
leader in championing equity, opportunity, innovation, and excellence requires
that we not only examine our past, but also provide ongoing opportunities to
craft a future in which diversity, equity and inclusion is championed.
Inspiring every day is not just a motto; it is an aspirational goal that we
hope every member of our College live out that goal in a way that embraces the
full diversity of our community.
Anne M. Kress, Ph.D., President
Calvin J. Gantt, Ed.D., Chief Diversity Officer
Kress, Anne
Office of the President
02/25/2019