A Statement on Statements

Monday, August 26, 2024

Dear Brockport Community:

A great deal of time, effort, and energy has been spent preparing for a successful academic year and we’re pleased to have our entire community back.

Some of our preparations have involved planning for how to navigate a challenging climate as the world faces military and humanitarian crises, complex social issues, and contentious elections. This has led to significant introspection and discussion at President’s Cabinet and elsewhere on campus, as well as examination of how our peers are approaching this work. After doing so, I am certain of only one thing: there is no single right answer. But, guided by our mission, vision, and values, we are doing our best to chart a path forward — one that is appropriate for SUNY Brockport.

Our University must strive to be a place that fosters civil dialogue:

• A place where people can disagree without being disagreeable;
• Where people truly listen and learn from each other instead of talking past one another;
• Where we can create a sense of belonging — even when we may not agree with everyone around us.

This is something we must teach and it is something we must model. It was the focus of our Campus Leadership Summit last week, where we engaged leaders from across the University on this topic, challenging us to think about how each of our units can work to support such a culture. This year, we aim to amplify our efforts to foster a supportive and engaging environment that prepares our students to navigate our complex and enriching, if sometimes contentious, world.

Beginning this fall, you will see the return of a series of Community Conversations. This was a recommendation of Presidential Campus Climate Committee last year and one that I fully endorse. Some of the community conversation topics will be planned and will give us an opportunity to engage on a range of topics. Others will be unplanned and will occur in response to world events. The first one will be held on Friday, September 6, from 12:30-2pm in the Seymour Ballroom.

This fall, I plan to refrain from publicly commenting on most matters of public concern. Statements that come from the Office of the President will be limited to matters that impact the core functions of our university.

You might ask why this is our position. It is because as an institution, our aim is to foster civil and productive dialogue on these topics — not to advocate for a particular viewpoint or position. Filling your inbox with messages on a particular topic doesn’t help us have the hard conversations, and it can sometimes seem as if such messages deflect, rather than invite, conversation.

As a public institution, we are a part of the New York State government and the SUNY system. Therefore, we will continue to share messages from the Governor or the SUNY Chancellor on various topics at their request. I would encourage you to engage in meaningful conversation around those messages as we seek to Build a Better Brockport.

Best wishes for a productive and enriching fall semester. I look forward to seeing you at an upcoming Community Conversation.