Letter to the Editor
I am writing in response to the recent display on the Monroe Park Campus. Some VCU community members, especially those who have had past traumatic events, were disturbed greatly by this display. I am sorry if you, or someone you know, were affected negatively.
Dear VCU students:
I am writing in response to the recent display on the Monroe Park Campus. Some VCU community members, especially those who have had past traumatic events, were disturbed greatly by this display. I am sorry if you, or someone you know, were affected negatively. I regret also that some students felt unsafe as a result of the display. Please know that the university offers a broad range of support programs and services, such as University Counseling Services and The Wellness Resource Center, which can be accessed by students in order to address any lingering concerns or feelings.
I was glad that many students felt comfortable in sharing with me, and with other faculty and administrators, their concerns with the display. I was gratified that students engaged in respectful and constructive dialogue, regardless of their perspective, while the displays were on campus. Finally, I was heartened with the in-depth academic discourse that our students exhibited during an open forum to discuss the display. Through these positive interactions, we strengthen our community.
VCU takes great pride in being a premier urban public research university where diverse perspectives can be presented, discussed and debated within the broad protections of free speech and the public areas on campus where individuals or groups can utilize their rights. As a public institution and as part of our mission, we have the responsibility and obligation to provide these opportunities not only for our VCU students, faculty and staff, but for our community members as well. Although we may not agree with the perspectives provided or the manner in which they are presented, the demonstration of various perspective and ideas only serves to enrich our institution.
I would be glad to meet with any student to discuss concerns in person. Please let me know if I can be of further assistance. I wish you great success with the remainder of your semester.
Sincerely,
Dr. Reuban Rodriguez, Associate Vice Provost and Dean of Student Affairs
