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Statements from President Ensign

Countering Hate

February 4, 2019

To the Dickinson Community:

I was outraged to learn that this weekend hate-filled flyers were distributed in parts of Carlisle in what appears to be an attempt to recruit people to join the Ku Klux Klan.

Hate has no place at Dickinson, in Carlisle or in America. This is deeply disturbing news and reinforces our need to come together as an inclusive community to embrace our differences and similarities.

If you see any of this material or anyone circulating this material, please call the Department of Public Safety immediately at 717-245-1349.

Get involved in Dickinson’s inclusivity efforts by contacting Brenda Bretz, our vice president of institutional effectiveness & inclusivity, at bretz@dickinson.edu or by calling 717-245-1392.

Educate yourself. Consider attending tomorrow’s MLK Jr. Symposium address, “Understanding the Impact of Modern Day Segregation.” Work with our Popel Shaw Center for Race & Ethnicity. Become involved in the many interfaith opportunities sponsored by the Asbell Center and the Center for Service, Spirituality & Social Justice.

Take action. Work with the Center for Civic Learning & Action to learn about the various ways to get involved in our community. Participate in the upcoming sessions “More Than Words: A Community Conversation About the Challenges and Possibilities of Language.” These programs, scheduled for later this month, will allow time for personal reflection on language presentations on language, and social identity and interactive small group discussions of scenarios around language and conflict.

Don’t let racist, bigoted, sexist, homophobic comments by friends or family go unchallenged.

We must work each and every day to build an inclusive world and to defeat those who have been emboldened to spread hate and fear.

I am reminded of the words of Martin Luther King Jr.: “We are now faced with the fact that tomorrow is today. We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now. In this unfolding conundrum of life and history, there is such a thing as being too late. This is no time for apathy or complacency. This is a time for vigorous and positive action.”

We must all work together in these challenging times.

Sincerely,

Margee Ensign
President, Dickinson College