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LETTER TO THE EDITOR April 8, 2007 This is the introduction to the University of Iowa Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity web site.
beencommitted to maintaining a welcoming and diverse community of students,faculty, and staff, dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge in an atmosphereof fairness and mutual respect, where differences are not only welcomed,but valued. We believe that complying with related laws and guidelines isonly one step in fulfilling our obligations to these principles.? Set aside for a moment, that no one in their right mind thinks that 150 years ago the founders of the University of Iowa wanted a diverse community of students, faculty and staff. Slavery was still alive and welcome in the United States. Native Americans had been killed or displaced, if not by the founders of The University of Iowa, probably their ancestors. At some point during The University of Iowa?s 150 years of commitment, Mormons were driven out of the area. That is ancient history. Today The University of Iowa is part of the global community. Fairness and mutual respect is global. Fairness and respect is not limited to how we treat humans, but how we treat all animals. Fairness and respect includes not only racial and ethnic diversity but also class diversity. I am not suggesting The University of Iowa can take on all the world?s evils (although clearly, as the above statement points out, The University of Iowa could try to be more truthful). The University of Iowa could take small steps. For example end the contract with Coca-Cola. Look into how The University of Iowa has used the hundreds of thousands of dollars from the contract with Coca-Cola. Then when you use these services I suggest you think aboutwhetherCoca-Cola creates an environment ?of fairness and mutual respect.? When Coca-Cola depletes the ground water in India, is that out of mutual respect? When they union bust in Columbia is that out of mutual respect? This is the information age. When The University of Iowa signs the Coca- Cola contract ? they are complicit in Coca-Cola?s global strategy. The University of Iowa administration knows this. It is not a secret. The University of Iowa may foster a climate of fairness and mutual respect on campus, but it is clear The University?s commitment to fairness and mutual respect, at the very best, only goes as far as the Pentacrest. I am not sure if that means The University of Iowa does not care, is not interested, or thinks people in other countries are just not worth it.Inany case, it is not acceptable. I just think the ground water in India has to be more important than additional soft seating on campus.Find out how the ?Coke money? is being used and refuse to take advantage of those services. Richard Shannon 255 Iowa Avenue Apt 504 Iowa City, IA 52240 319-321-6167 |