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K-State addresses hate speech on social media

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MANHATTAN- Officials at Kansas State University are working on diversity issues. In a letter from the president’s cabinet Friday, University President Kirk Schultz said, “Recently, we were notified about disparaging comments made to those in our family who practice Islam. We need to be clear that there is no room for this type of behavior at our university.”

A diversity of views lies at the heart of a university education, as does the ability to discuss differences in a healthy, civil environment.

Schultz urged students and staff to read and reaffirm the university’s Principles of Community.

They call for affirming the inherent dignity and value of every person, striving to maintain an atmosphere of justice and respect, according to Schultz.

 

 

    “As the principles state, we have high expectations for the behavior of our students, faculty and staff. Unfortunately, there will always be those who demean others, out of ignorance, fear or mean-spiritedness. We must let them know this is not the K-State way. Each of us must speak up when we see and hear things that are wrong,” wrote Schultz. “

Those who hide behind the anonymity of social media have created an atmosphere making some feel unsafe in our community because of what they believe. What we post matters, and what we say matters. We must strive to be better than this. Let us use social media to celebrate and promote diversity. We have worked hard to attract people from around the world to help us build a very special community.

From the wonderful towns of Kansas to the great cities of the world, every person who comes to K-State brings a unique background and set of beliefs. Let’s make everyone feel welcomed and seize the opportunity to learn from each other.” Schultz and 11 other members of the president’s cabinet signed the letter.    

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