The Working Group on Equity and Inclusion met last week to discuss our initial recommendations that will be included in our report. We recognize that the Working Group is just one step in a process toward long-term solutions.

We spent significant time discussing what will be one of our principal recommendations — the formation of a permanent St. Olaf Advisory Council on Equity and Inclusion to carry this work forward and continue to address important issues related to diversity and individual and institutional racism experienced at St. Olaf.

We also met with the leader of the St. Olaf Economics Club and a leader of the campus conservatives. They shared experiences that showed intolerance and a lack of civility on campus. We are concerned about marginalization and injustice of any kind. It is critical that St. Olaf be a safe place where people are able to have civil discourse about very contentious issues, with space for everyone to feel that their views are heard and valued.

While we are in the process of drafting our recommendations, there is still time to provide input. The Working Group is holding open office hours to provide an opportunity for anyone who would like to talk to Working Group members, share their experiences, provide input, and learn more about the framework of our recommendations.

Wednesday, April 11
Valhalla Room
2-4 p.m.

Thursday, April 12
Buntrock 145
10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Monday, April 16
Buntrock 143
10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Wednesday, April 18
Buntrock 143
3-5 p.m.

Tuesday, April 24
Buntrock 142
4-6 p.m.

We hope you will join us. We are here to listen to your input, questions, and concerns.

Respectfully submitted,

Glenn Taylor ’73 and Phil Milne ’81
Chairs, Working Group on Equity and Inclusion