The leader of the University of Minnesota, Duluth said in a column that UMD must "acknowledge and honor" the experiences of students who have encountered racism on campus.
Then Chancellor Lendley Black argued that UMD has made great accomplishments in creating an inclusive culture.
His column, printed in the Duluth News Tribune on Sunday, was a response to a column that ran in those pages the week before, by alumna Sarah Stewart, called " Why I no longer have faith in UMD."
Stewart described the racism she encountered on campus and off, and said that she now believes she made a mistake in attending the school.
In his piece, Black responded:
He also described students' responses in focus groups. Many reported "unwanted aggression, intimidation, isolation, lack of safety," but they also noted "people's sincere efforts and good intentions dedicated toward inclusivity."
He ended the column with this thought:
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