Interim OU President Joseph Harroz released a letter to the OU community Tuesday morning, addressing his plan to build diversity at OU.
In the letter, Harroz announced Jane Irungu, interim associate vice president of university community, would be appointed interim vice president of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, formerly the Office of University Community, and that a formal search would begin to fill the permanent position.
“My philosophy is that we should be proactive rather than reactive,” Harroz said in the letter. “Our goal should be to build a culture of inclusion based on the values we share.”
Harroz gave similar remarks at a meet-and-greet event with OU students May 17, where he said it was important the university make its stance against racism clear before any incidents occur.
Last semester, the university was criticized by some for the rhetoric it used in response to racism, including multiple incidents involving individuals using blackface and another involving anti-semitic graffiti around Norman. Critics said the university’s soft response did not do enough to deter further incidents from occurring.
According to the letter, Irungu has previously held similar positions – serving as director for the Southwest Center for Human Relations Studies, as well as holding several positions at the University of Oregon, including vice president of intercultural initiatives.
“I am making this change one of my first actions as president because I want us to seize the chance to build culture together. This is an important moment for our university, in the midst of a challenging transition,” Harroz said in the letter. “It is important to recognize that authentic and continuing commitment to building a culture of inclusion is absolutely essential for us to move forward as an institution. It is part of everything we do.”
In the letter, Harroz reinforced his promise to listen to input from the community, a promise he made in a previous letter after being named interim OU president.
“I will be seeking input and ideas on how to create a climate of acceptance and appreciation for our students, faculty, and staff,” Harroz said in Tuesday’s letter. “I hope you will take the opportunity to engage with me on this important issue as we bring the OU family together with a renewed sense of purpose and dedication to our mission.”
