Statement from the Director on Police Violence Against the Black Community
The George and Ann Richards Civil War Era Center supports the efforts of activists around the country in the movement for Black Lives and in opposition to police violence against African Americans. Both Black activism and state violence against the Black community were and are at the heart of the Civil War and the freedom struggle that continues to this day. Understanding this history and actively working for a just and equal society is central to the mission of the Richards Center. At the Richards Center, we endorse the sentiments expressed by Penn State President Eric Barron and College of the Liberal Arts Dean Clarence Lang, but we also know words are not enough. We pledge to increase our investment financially and programmatically in the fight for freedom and democracy and against the system of white supremacy, in academia and beyond.
Financially Support Richards Center Initiatives for Black Scholars and Students:
College of the Liberal Arts Diversity and Inclusion Statement
Diversity is the cornerstone of excellence. The College of the Liberal Arts strives to increase diversity and fully include members of underrepresented groups among students, staff, and faculty. Diversity in students, staff, and faculty enhances overall creativity, intellectual pursuit and accomplishments, and contributes meaningfully to the training of citizens in a democratic society. The qualities that people from diverse backgrounds bring to institutions of higher education help us think more complexly, consider varied perspectives, create new approaches, and achieve excellence as community members and leaders in an ever-changing world. Within this evolving societal context, the College of the Liberal Arts strives to maintain a leadership role in fostering an inclusive, welcoming environment.