University of Virginia Library

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3946

APPROVAL OF A STATEMENT ON ANTI-DISCRIMINATION

• The following resolution was adopted:
• WHEREAS, the Board of Visitors declared its firm commitment to equal employment opportunity in 1986, and its commitment to affirmative action in all forms in 1988, calling upon "all members of the University community to take all possible steps to increase the meaningful participation of minorities in every aspect of the University"; and
• WHEREAS, the Rector established in March, 1990, a Special Committee on Intergroup Relations "for the purpose of promoting inter-group relations to assure that a sense of community of which the University is justly proud continues"; and
• WHEREAS, a select committee of the University's faculty chosen to advise the Board in its search for the University's seventh president urged reaffirmation of a shared system of values including "commitment to substantial diversity of gender, race, class, and geography as a means of ensuring the highest intellectual development of students and faculty alike, opening new frontiers and knowledge, and supporting the cosmopolitan character of the community"; and
• WHEREAS, the Board Committee on Intergroup Relations held its first meeting on April 13, 1990, and there received statements of concern and commitment from the President and other members of the administration, followed by statements from many students denouncing acts of intolerance or bigotry such as racial or ethnic slurs, and urging further steps to promote understanding and tolerance within the University community;
• NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Special Committee on Intergroup Relations urges the full Board to condemn firmly and clearly any and all such acts of discrimination, hatred, bigotry and intolerance, directed toward any members of the University community; and
• BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of Visitors declares its intention to support steps that will enhance the sense of community within which pluralism, diversity and democracy will flourish along with the protection of the civil rights and liberties of all members of that community.