Dietz apologizes for previous email; talks with Black Homecoming Committee in progress

Posted on October 18, 2019

By Neil Doyle

NORMAL – Illinois State University President Larry Dietz has apologized after learning more information about the school’s Black Homecoming Committee event that was cancelled.

Dietz Friday addressed the university’s Board of Trustees, and said after an initial email to the campus on Oct. 8, he learned of additional details regarding communications associated with the planning of the Black Homecoming Committee event. Dietz said the students worked hard to plan the event and were denied that opportunity.

The committee organized protests after an event the group planned for Homecoming Week was cancelled due to a conflict with a volleyball practice.

During a closed-door meeting Wednesday, Dietz said the student committee shared its concerns about antiblack experiences on campus. University leadership and the student group have made a commitment to collaboratively work toward addressing the issues identified, according to Dietz.

Both sides have agreed to regular meetings, with the next one possibly held within a month.

Neil Doyle can be reached at [email protected]

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