Dear GHC Community,
Over the past several months we have witnessed and experienced the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the precipitous economic fallout, our lives and livelihoods upended, our daily routines dramatically changed, and the undeniable reality of social injustice.
A powerful truth has come to the forefront for us all. While we often say we were founded on “justice for all,” that has not been our reality. For many, justice is an illusion available only to the privileged. In rapid succession, the world witnessed the horrific and senseless killing of Ahmaud Arbery in Brunswick, GA; we watched Amy Cooper place a phone call to weaponize racism against Christian Cooper (no relation) in Central Park; and then the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, MN. The heartbreak, outrage, fear and anguish are deep, but this is not merely a reaction to the recent events; but to the systemic and unaddressed problems that have existed for a long time.
Where injustice exists for some, all are at risk of that loss.
In our mission, we state GHC exists for the physical, intellectual, and cultural development of a diverse population. Why do we exist for the diverse population? Because we are stronger together. We are more talented together. We are smarter and more effective together. Diversity is about recognizing and appreciating our differences. It is about knowing that the unique attributes every individual brings provide strength to the whole. Racism destroys the rich fabric of diversity through the assumption of a finite prize which is only available to an exclusive group of persons. Diversity recognizes the prize is nurtured and grown through individual contributions.
At GHC, we intend to continue building diversity and appreciation for each person. The only antidotes for racism and injustice are dialogue, knowledge, understanding and action; hate will have no home in our GHC community. We are well equipped to create dialogue, provide knowledge and be a catalyst for the change so desperately needed to overcome prejudice, injustice and intolerance. We will not fear to bring racism to the surface; to recognize and examine is to understand. At Georgia Highlands we commit ourselves to an environment permitting courageous conversations for the establishment of shared respect and true understanding.
Prior to these most recent events, the college was awarded an opportunity by the Association of American Colleges and Universities to send a team to the 2020 Institute on Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation. Our team will create a plan of evidence-based strategies intended to elevate the value of all people. This team is just one way GHC is fighting racism and making “justice for all” a reality. Whether you are a student, an employee or a neighbor, you are part of the GHC community, and I invite you to be a part of the solution.
We at GHC understand and acknowledge there can be no true peace without equitable justice, and there can be no healing without effective change. We hope you join us as we work together to bridge divides and come together as a stronger community.
