JSC President Elaine Collins Signs Joint Statement in Support of Diversity, Equity & Inclusiveness

November 21, 2016

Johnson State College President Elaine C. Collins was one of a number of Vermont education and business leaders who, on Friday, November 18, 2016, along with Governor Peter Shumlin and Governor-Elect Phil Scott, issued a statement affirming the Green Mountain State’s commitment to remaining a place of opportunity and hope for all.

In a recent note to the JSC community, reflecting the specific ways Johnson State College will uphold this commitment, President Collins wrote:

“Historically, Johnson State College has thrived on finding solutions to complex social issues. In the aftermath of the elections, as acts of hate and bias escalate, I am reminded of the necessity to stand united, supportive and welcoming to people of all backgrounds. We must relentlessly pursue our responsibility to create an inclusive community where we can build and sustain campus commitment to diversity and democracy. We cannot be deterred from our mission regardless of obstacles or criticism.

“As such, this moment in time poses an opportunity to apply our collective and creative thinking about how we can continue to protect and enhance our campus values in the days ahead – our value and respect for diversity in all of its forms, our open community where civility is affirmed and where each person is honored, our caring community where the well-being of each member is supported.”

The statement and signatories follow:

Joint Statement in Support of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusiveness

Vermont has fought for centuries for freedom and unity, equity and openness. Vermont remains a beacon of hope and opportunity, community and shared humanity. Vermont was the first to commit to the abolition of slavery in our state constitution and a leader in the fight for marriage equality. We will continue to support all Vermonters and welcome people of all backgrounds to the Green Mountain state.

We, the undersigned, condemn any acts of unlawful discrimination, violence, and intimidation that target differences in national origin, race, sex, gender, religion, disability, or political viewpoint across our nation. Such acts run counter to the rights and freedoms upon which our country was founded and to the core values of the state of Vermont.

Vermont is committed to fostering welcoming communities and an equitable, diverse, and inclusive society.

Governor Peter Shumlin

Governor-elect Phil Scott

Lisa M. Ventriss, President, Vermont Business Roundtable

Gregory Dewey, President, Albany College of Pharmacy

Mariko Silver, President, Bennington College

David Wolk, President, Castleton University

Michelle Ollie, President, Center for Cartoon Studies

Don Laackman, President, Champlain College

Lawrence Jensen, Interim President, College of Saint Joseph

Joyce Judy, President, Community College of Vermont

Robert Kenny, President, Goddard College

Robert Allen, President, Green Mountain College

Elaine Collins, President, Johnson State College

Peter Eden, President, Landmark College

Nolan Atkins, Interim President, Lyndon State College

Kevin Quigley, President, Marlboro College

Laurie Patton, President, Middlebury College

Richard Schneider, President, Norwich University

Donald Steinberg, President, School for International Training

David Rees Evans, President, Southern Vermont College

Matthew Derr, President, Sterling College

John Neuhauser, President, Saint Michael’s College

Tom Sullivan, President, University of Vermont

Roger H. Sublett, President, Union Institute and University

Marc B. Mihaly, President and Dean, Vermont Law School

Thomas Greene, President, Vermont College of Fine Arts

Jeb Spaulding, Chancellor, Vermont State Colleges

Pat Moulton, Interim President, Vermont Technical College

Scott Giles, President & CEO, Vermont Student Assistance Corporation