We, the students of Indiana State University, are deeply disappointed by the prolonged silence and inaction of the university administration in response to recent incidents of racism on our campus. For far too long, we have witnessed a pattern of hesitation and reluctance from university officials to address issues of racism and discrimination.

It is disgraceful that it took almost two weeks for the university to issue a statement regarding the racist remarks made by one of our students. This delay sends a message that our concerns are not taken seriously and that our voices are not valued. This delay not only undermines the safety and well-being of our Black students but also perpetuates a culture of complacency and indifference towards systemic injustices. 

Furthermore, the town halls hosted by the Office of the President have been performative in nature, as they have failed to include actual representatives from the Office of the President. This lack of intentionality demonstrates a fundamental disregard for the voices and concerns of those most affected by issues of racism on our campus.

As a collective of concerned students on campus, we are compelled to raise our unified voices as an outcry of the systemic oppression, poor climate and bad practices within the Indiana State University community.

We Demand the Indiana State University President and Board of Trustees to: 

1. Issue an immediate apology from President, Deborah Curtis, and Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, Chris Olsen acknowledging the harm done by their inaction, the silencing of the staff that directly support students, and an explanation for why it took so long to respond to the situation. 
2. Permit University Departments to freely express their views and issue statements on global matters without any constraints imposed by the Presidential Office.  
3. Require all staff and faculty to undergo comprehensive annual anti-racism training administered by the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging, in collaboration with organizations like the Diversity and Resiliency Institute of El Paso.
   
   • Offenders of the code of conduct will also be mandated to complete additional anti-racism training as part of their rehabilitation process. 
4. Require all students to undergo comprehensive annual anti-racism training administered by the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging, in collaboration with organizations like the Diversity and Resiliency Institute of El Paso.
   
   • Offenders of the code of conduct will also be mandated to complete additional anti-racism training as part of their rehabilitation process.  
   • Additionally, students are obliged to complete It’s On Blue training during their incoming student orientation, as a prerequisite for on-campus employment or involvement with student organizations. Those who missed the training during orientation must complete it at the time of its implementation. 
5. Implement intentional hiring practices that prioritize diversity in faculty and staff, aligning with the composition of our student body in collaboration with the student body.  

6. Include a comprehensive plan against hate speech and discrimination outlined within the University's Strategic Plan for the incoming president, emphasizing transparency in the disciplinary process outlined in the ISU Code of Conduct, and showing evidence in how the university upholds their plan.

   • This should include a formal definition of hate speech and discrimination to be integrated into the code of conduct, explicitly addressing any communication, verbal, written, or otherwise, associated with historically oppressive and genocidal practices that incite hatred, hostility, or violence against individuals or groups based on race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or any other identity-based characteristic. 
   • This should acknowledge the systemic impacts and prevent it from being turned against marginalized identities, allowing for the use of reclaimed language while maintaining a zero-tolerance stance on acts of discrimination.
7. Enhance transparency with general accountability procedures within the Title IX & Equal Opportunity Office for students.  

It is imperative that the university takes proactive steps to create a campus environment that is safe, inclusive, and welcoming for all members of our community while disrupting previous patterns of injustice. We refuse to accept anything less than a commitment to justice and equality from our institution.

By signing this petition, I support the proposed institutional changes that will positively impact minoritized traditional and non-traditional students, the academic environment, and climate on Indiana State University’s campus.