Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Bloomsburg University

Commonwealth University is active and engaged at the SREB Institute on Teaching and Mentoring Conference

Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson sworn in, becoming first Black woman on high court

Press Release of Supreme Court of the United State The Honorable Ketanji Brown Jackson will be sworn in as the 104th Associate Justice of the Supreme Court on Thursday, June 30, at noon at the Supreme Court of the United States. Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr., will administer the Constitutional Oath and Associate Justice Stephen G. Breyer will a...

The upcoming Juneteenth celebration day provides each of us an opportunity for pause and reflection. As we mark the commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States, which became official in all states on June 19, 1865, let us reflect on the words of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He said, “Make a career of humanity. Commit yourself to the noble struggle for equal rights. You will make a better person of yourself, a greater nation of your country, and a finer world to live in.”

As educators, we have both an opportunity and an imperative to continue working for racial equality and justice, and to strive to make our campus communities equitable, welcoming environments for all. Our university communities should serve to provide our students a rich and diverse education experience that challenges them to think beyond their perceptions and embrace new ideas while affirming the values of equity and inclusion that will make our world a better place.

As we look forward to celebrating Juneteenth, I ask everyone to mark this day by learning more about the day, why it is an important part of our history, and what each of us can do to fulfill the hope promised on that day in 1865. As we take the opportunity to reflect on this monumental day in our nation’s history, I leave you with the words of poet Amanda Gorman: "When day comes we step out of the shade / Aflame and unafraid / The new dawn blooms as we free it / For there is always light / If only we're brave enough to see it / If only we're brave enough to be it."

Dr. Bashar W. Hanna
President - Bloomsburg University

Bloomsburg community,

It is Pride Month! During the month of June, we recognize, celebrate and honor our LGBTQIA+ students, colleagues, alumni, family, and friends. Pride Month is held in June to commemorate the protests at the Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village on June 28, 1969. These demonstrations proved to be a pivotal moment in the history of the modern gay rights movement. But even 50+ years later, there is still work to be done. We must continue to work together and advocate for a society in which all people can live their lives honestly, openly, without fear and free of discrimination. Let’s find opportunities to uplift the voices, recognize the culture, and support the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community.

While our campus community may not be heavily occupied right now with students, faculty, and staff, there are PRIDE activities taking place within our local region and/or throughout PA. If your schedule permits I would encourage you to attend an event and show your support.

• June 18: Lancaster Pride - Lancaster, PA https://lancpride.com/
• June 18: West Branch Pride Cruise on the Hiawatha – Williamsport, PA https://www.eventbrite.com/e/west-branch-prides-cruise-on-the-hiawatha-tickets-330944121777?aff=erelexpmlt
• June 25: Tioga County Pride Day - Wellsboro, PA https://www.visitpottertioga.com/event/first-tioga-county-pride-day/ #:~:text=June%2025%20%40%2012%3A00%20pm%20%2D%205%3A00%20pm
• June 28: Inaugural PrideFest parade - Wilkes-Barre, PA https://neparainbowalliance.org/pridefest/
• June 26-July 3: Ithaca Pride Week - Downtown Ithaca, NY https://www.downtownithaca.com/pride/
• July 17: Reading Pride Celebration - Reading, PA http://www.readingpridecelebration.org/
• July 30: Pride Festival of Central PA - Harrisburg, PA https://centralpapride.org/
• August 27: Northumberland County Pride – Sunbury, PA https://www.facebook.com/events/1093144034582174?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22surface%22%3A%22page%22%7D]%7D

Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of the shooting victims in Laguna Woods, CA and Buffalo, NY, especially to the families that lost loved ones during these horrific tragedies. According to official reports, both of these shooting incidents were hate-filled, racially motivated crimes targeting the African American and Asian American populations. This moment of sadness and grief should serve as a constant reminder of the responsibility that we have as a community of educators and learners to come together and take a stand against hatred, intolerance and violence that is based on race, ethnicity, gender, and sexual orientation. We must continue to promote initiatives and participate in actions that focus on efforts to eradicate the ignorance that breeds prejudice and division within our campus and local communities, the state of PA and our country.

It does not matter if we are on campus in session or away for summer break, we must continue to treat each other with care, dignity, and respect as we strive to become a truly diverse, equitable, and inclusive campus community and society.

Dear BU Family,

As our nation celebrates the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. let us take a moment to pause and reflect on the impact Dr. King had on our country. Don’t let our remembrance be just one day in 2022, but use everyday to live and be inspired by his message of peace, hope, and love. There is no shortage of inspirational words that mean as much as they did when first spoken more than a half-century ago.

“As we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead.”

These words of Dr. King need to compel us this year. As a campus, community, and nation, we need to open our hearts to each other and rid ourselves of hatred and discrimination that does nothing but divide us. Let us move our campuses forward as more inclusive and welcoming to our underserved populations.

“Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”

Dr. King’s message of love over hate is highlighted here. Let us strive to show love for one another. Lifting each other up should be our goal every day.

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”

Those words from a 1963 speech should inspire all of us to rise and take a stand when we see injustice, oppression, or discrimination. Doing what is right is hard. But doing what is right also brings comfort, knowing you stood up for good.

So I encourage you to read the teachings of Dr. King and know that from a humble start, the world can be changed. We just need to be open to it and serve as a catalyst for it.

Bashar

Dr. Bashar W. Hanna
President - Bloomsburg University

What you learned about the ‘first Thanksgiving’ isn’t true. Here’s the real story The narrative that underpins the traditional Thanksgiving story is built on myths about the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag and their relationship.

Tonight’s program!
A conversation with Albert Jones!

Location: Kehr Union Ballroom (light refreshments will be served)

No more silence. A conversation on issues of race, diversity, inclusion, and equity on and off campus 🎙⛲🐾

Today is the day! Hope to see you there!

Please come out and participate in our conversation.
November 16, 2021 7:00PM
Location: Bloomsburg University Kehr Union Ballroom.

Today’s event!
I hope to see you there.