OPEN LETTER TO THE UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY Faculty members at this University recently received a letter dated April 30, 1999, that, among other things, stated that "...a vast majority of the faculty believes that the University grants race, sex and ethnic preferences in faculty employment and student admission." The President's Commission to Promote Racial and Cultural Diversity would like to assure members of the University community that the University's policies are in full accord with the law. There is no empirical basis for any hurtful claims. Over the past years, this University has embarked on the difficult but correct task of diversifying its composition. The stated objective is to create "an educational community that is intellectually, culturally and socially diverse, enriched by the contributions and full participation of people from different backgrounds." In order to achieve this objective, the University, among other things, is committed to "increasing the racial and cultural diversity of its students, faculty and staff" and "creating a climate that encourages all members of the University community to respect and appreciate individuals and cultural differences." The President's Commission to Promote Racial and Cultural Diversity believes that the vast majority of faculty, staff and students supports the value and importance of having a truly diverse University community. One of the primary goals of the University is to provide our students with the knowledge and skills needed to function in an increasingly complex, diverse and challenging global environment. An active commitment to the promotion of racial and cultural diversity has definite educational, cultural, social and economic value for our students. The commission supports President Roselle's statement to the University community on diversity issued on March 4, 1999, in UpDate. The commission strongly deplores any tactics that create a hostile climate on campus. These tactics and actions are contrary to the trust and mutual respect that should be fostered among members of the University community.