Message in response to training in question

Dear JMU Community, 

Just within the past year, we have dealt with a myriad of challenges and together, as a campus community, we have overcome them.   

As excited as I am to be welcoming students back to campus, I want take a moment to address recent concerns raised by some in our community about a training for some student staff.   

As Dr. Tim Miller, vice president for Student Affairs, emphasized in his video statement (below), we have decided to pause the training in question for evaluation and review with a variety of JMU constituents.   

Let me be clear: We value and respect individuals of all backgrounds. I want to reassert my commitment, and that of all of us at James Madison University, to develop and foster an inclusive environment. Everyone has a place at JMU, and we will continue to strive to create a climate in which everyone feels welcome and respected. That includes people of all racial, gender, socioeconomic, religious, and cultural backgrounds.

Work and conversations surrounding diversity, equity and inclusion can be difficult and at times uncomfortable, but they are necessary.  These are challenging topics to discuss, and we know that they are important and demand a lot of thought and care.  The ongoing work of the university can, and must be, to seek to have such conversations in ways that honor and respect all members of our community.  We all have a lot to learn, and we all have a lot to contribute.     

As we navigate this journey together, I ask for empathy and support of one another.  During this time of new beginnings, JMU and its leaders will be welcoming individuals from every imaginable background, and it is critical at these times to confront challenges and build strength and solidarity among us.  We will continue to learn and grow together.

I look forward to seeing many of you on campus in the coming days.

Jonathan Alger

President, James Madison University