To the Virginia Tech community,

I invite you to join me in celebrating InclusiveVT Week on September 7-11. InclusiveVT Week occurs annually the week after Labor Day and is dedicated to adhering to and promoting our institutional and individual commitment to Ut Prosim (That I May Serve) in the spirit of community, diversity, and excellence.

It has been an overwhelming summer, with the tragic deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery, the shooting of Jacob Blake and deadly violence in Kenosha, and the ongoing impact of the pandemic and systemic racism on communities of color. Taking time to consider how each of us can foster a more inclusive Virginia Tech is more important than ever.

This year’s theme, “Where Everyone Belongs,” encourages us to welcome newcomers to our community, engage in thoughtful conversations, and connect through events and activities that promote access, inclusion, and growth.

As a part of InclusiveVT Week, you will receive an invitation to view the online course: Diversity: Inclusion in the Workplace. The course explores concepts of equity and inclusion that are relevant to workplace processes and relationships, as well as provides practical strategies each of us can use in order to create a more accepting workplace. We invite you to complete the course, Diversity: Inclusion in the Workplace.

I encourage you to participate in InclusiveVT Week, learn something new, and challenge yourself as we work together to make our university a welcoming place for all.

Tim Sands,
President

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