[Vision2020] Climate

[rodney johnson]

Credit is due Melynda for her characteristic civility and for her consistent 
repudiation of the more overtly uncharitable acts that have been aimed at 
the, the … well, I guess you could say, the Wrong Group.

But, having said that, it should be noted once again that both the 
presidents and other officials of WSU and UI have done one fine job of 
contributing to the current “climate,” in which any negative thought, word, 
or deed directed toward the Wrong Group is not only fashionable, but 
sometimes even mandatory.

Climate … is a word I’ve heard before.  Oh yes, the recent Respectful 
Climate Survey, initiated at the behest of Raul Sanchez, the UI President’s 
very own Special Assistant to head up the Office of Diversity and Human 
Rights, which in light of its recent leadership in creating a hostile—rather 
than a respectful—climate, really ought to be called the Office of Adversity 
and Human Reactions.

But, I do notice that the Quinlan/Ramsey piece, in which the Wrong Group 
also became the Evil Group, is no longer being promoted at the office’s 
website.  It used to be squeezed right between the expanded discussion of 
the Respectful Climate Survey and [this is just too much!] the Affirmation 
of Inclusion, which says:

“ODHR assists the University of Idaho as it strives toward an environment in 
which every member of the UI community feels welcome to participate in, 
shape, and benefit from the academic and social events of the university, 
free from harassment and discrimination.  Our UI community is made up of 
students, staff, faculty, and administration but also includes family and 
community members that have established ties to the University of Idaho.”

“Our campus is filled with people from different backgrounds who have chosen 
distinct life paths.  We view this diversity as a natural and enriching 
characteristic of higher education, the University of Idaho campus, and 
modern society in general.  Healthy diversity occurs when:
*  members of the campus recognize and accept individual and group 
differences
*  members of the campus work to communicate openly and respectfully
*  members of the campus actively create a context where all who work, live, 
and study  are nurtured to reach their full potential.”

“All members of the University of Idaho community should strive toward this 
vision and work to remedy any areas that fall short of this ideal.”

Raul, you lead the way!


- Rod Johnson

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