TULANE TALK

August 29, 2003

Good Morning:

After two years of hard work the President’s Special Task Force on Diversity has issued its report on the state of diversity and equity at Tulane University. Besides assessing our current status in this vital area, the report also makes recommendations for creating a more open, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all students, faculty and staff.

The full report is now available for viewing at the Howard-Tilton Memorial Library, the Rudolph Matas Medical School Library and in my office. We will also have a copy in the Primate Center next week. A summary of the report and its recommendations is also available at http://www2.tulane.edu/diversity_survey.cfm

I will begin discussing the report and ways to implement its recommendations with the Administrative Council and other key university leadership groups this week. The whole university owes a debt of gratitude to the 12 members of the task force, its co-chairs Wendy Scott and Mary Anderson and all the support staff who made the task force a success.

While diversity is a crucial part of Tulane’s strategic plan, I’m hoping that we will all look the same this Labor Day as the Green Wave kicks off its regular season against last year’s Conference USA co-champions TCU. The game will be televised nationally on ESPN. We hope that all Tulane fans will wear green at the game. This will offer viewers across the nation a great image of Tulane unity as they see a literal Green Wave of support for our team. I can’t wait to see you at the game.

Have a great Labor Day weekend,