Leadership message to UW-Green Bay students: ‘Our commitment to do better’

UW-Green Bay Chancellor Mike Alexander and his Cabinet sent this message to students earlier today, June 4, 2020.

Dear UW-Green Bay Students,

I have been personally struggling over the tragic loss of life of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery in recent weeks.  However, I realize that these are just the last three names that we know about among the countless number of people who have suffered from racist acts.  I want to be unequivocal that as a university we will not permit any acts of intolerance, bias, or racism.

Today, I sent an email to the faculty and staff challenging us to do better as a university to play a leading role in creating a more equitable, just, and inclusive society.  We are unified as campus leadership that we can and must take immediate steps to make sure our actions reflect our words.  To that end, all members of the University Cabinet have signed this email with me.  It is essential that we empower our students to bring about positive change in our communities.  As students begin to return to campus, we will organize listening sessions to understand from your perspective what we can do better and to inform you of the changes we are making.

We know many of you are struggling.  We hear you, are here for you, and support your efforts to make your voices heard.  We will do better.

Respectfully,

Michael Alexander, Chancellor
Kate Burns, Interim Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost
Janet Bonkowski, Executive Director, Marketing & Communications
Charles Guthrie, Director of Athletics
Ben Joniaux, Chief of Staff
Gail Sims-Aubert, Interim Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs & Campus Climate
Sheryl Van Gruensven, Senior Vice Chancellor for Institutional Strategy
Tony Werner, Vice Chancellor for University Advancement