Drake University President Dr. Marty Martin issued strong message of support for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts in March 3 email to faculty and students.
A great strength of Drake University is the ever-increasing diversity of the individuals who make up this wonderful place. That diversity is essential to our mission promise to prepare our students for meaningful personal lives, professional accomplishment, and responsible global citizenship. It creates opportunities for life-changing relationships. It makes our campus more interesting and vibrant. It broadens perspectives and enriches the learning experience. It ultimately makes our University stronger and more resilient.
Moving through life with our fellow human beings must not, thankfully, be a homogenous experience. When we open ourselves up to the wide array of individuals and communities around us, our lives become more grounded, joyful, and fulfilling. We learn that our differences are not weaknesses, they are strengths. We discover that exploring those differences with open minds and hearts, with empathy and love, is one of the most meaningful experiences we can have in life.
Drake University exists to help individuals find their purpose and realize their fullest potential. A Drake education prepares our students to thrive in this interconnected world, and thus, live their best lives for themselves and those they love and serve. It is our responsibility to ensure that the Drake experience is shared with anyone who can turn the opportunity offered here into their reality. It is unimaginable that we would turn away from this obligation.
On Friday, Governor Reynolds signed a bill ending eighteen years of civil rights protection for transgender and nonbinary Iowans. This action is one among many current state and federal efforts that seek to turn our differences into division. Instead of working to find a shared path grounded in respect for the basic human dignity possessed by every person, too many public officials are seeking to marginalize and isolate our colleagues, neighbors, friends, and loved ones. This is a moral failure against which we stand in opposition. It is our duty to respect, support, and affirm anyone in our community targeted by these actions.
I often say that all are welcome here. When I say this, I mean it in the fullest sense of the word, but I have come to appreciate that my intended message might not come through in the way I think it does. So let me be clear – not only are you welcome here, you belong here. It is my fervent desire that every person sees this University as a place that exists for them and in support of their beautiful differences. That everything makes you the wonderful person you are is embraced and celebrated. That when you walk on this campus you feel at home – you find happiness and peace here.
The road ahead is going to present many challenges to the values that define this institution, some of which I have tried to capture in this message. My hope is that we travel this road together grounded in a shared commitment to be there for each other every step of the way. You have my unwavering commitment to remain steadfast in fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and safe community for all.
