Dear Kent State University Students, Faculty and Staff,
Last year, the United States began the annual commemoration of Indigenous Peoples Day. Today, on what traditionally has been the Columbus Day federal holiday, we too want to acknowledge the complicated and painful history of Native Americans as well as celebrate the many contributions that Indigenous people have made to the nation, the state of Ohio and our university.
As we honor the vibrant cultures of America’s Indigenous people, we share our hope that the Kent State community will learn from these cultures, which continue to provide us with models of helping and healing. Their example can guide us as we affirm – through our actions – our values of respect and inclusion for all.
To this end, Kent State is developing a land acknowledgment statement for all land owned by the university to formally recognize Native Americans as the original stewards of our property and to recognize that their relationship with their lands is an enduring legacy.
We hope to share more information on this with you in the future.
Sincerely,
Todd Diacon
President
Amoaba Gooden, Ph.D.
Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion