The Board of Trustees of Campbellsville University, and leadership of the Board, is in support of the following statement made by CU President Dr. Michael V. Carter.
This statement presents a strong commitment to CU’s Black students and employees, joins with others in expressing our shock and sorrow following the violent and horrible deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, expresses our dedication to fight systemic racism and our Christian conviction that all people are created in God’s image and there is no place for racism in our Christian beliefs and practices, and commits CU to moving forward with initiatives and plans to implement concrete actions to end racism and discrimination. The Board and administration will be announcing more details of such plans and initiatives.
A Statement from Michael V. Carter, President of Campbellsville University
I want to unequivocally voice my support for our Black students and employees. In recent weeks, our nation has had to come to grips with voices in the streets in response to cruelty forced on our Black citizens. George Floyd and Breonna Taylor are only two in a long line of African-Americans who have suffered brutality and have been innocently killed at the hands of those who are supposed to protect all of us. These acts are reprehensible and cannot be tolerated.
While Campbellsville University has long endeavored to support equality and diversity in the past, we realize that this is an ongoing process and we must do more. And, we WANT to do more, so that every individual feels appreciated and protected.
Racism, on every level, is wrong. As Christians, we see no justification in having a heart of hate towards someone simply because of skin color. It is impossible to be in a right relationship with God, yet be wrong with people.
Genesis 1:28 tells us that God created every human being in His image, thereby bestowing on each of us an inherent worth and dignity.
Galatians 3:28 speaks to the fact that we are all equal in God’s eyes, with no regard to race, skin color, national origin, or gender.
As a Christian institution, our faith forms our Campbellsville University actions. We cannot deny that our creator equally loves and treasures all human life. There are no barriers or boundaries as it pertains to God’s love. The kingdom is for ALL people, and that should be what we model here on earth.
Repeatedly America has reverted back to its national original sin of racism. There needs to be repentance, justice and reconciliation as it pertains to racism. Here at Campbellsville University we are committed to these beliefs.
To our African-American students, we see you, we grieve with you, and we stand with you. Black Lives Matter. And, not only do you matter… you are respected and valued. Campbellsville University is committed to providing a safe environment for you to grow as a leader.
I am working with administrative council and deans, to identify actions that will build upon our valued Learning to Live Together committee and Office of Diversity and Community. In the coming days, we will be announcing initiatives that will address any form of racism with concrete actions.
Campbellsville University is committed to focus on any systemic discrimination in our institution and throughout our university community. As an institution, we need to listen to our Black colleagues and students who are not being heard. We need to learn from them the inadequacies that have been imposed upon them. And, then, we must lead by Christian example, organizing and training our employees to become better stewards of the next generation of Black leaders.
Michael V. Carter
President
Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university with more than 11,900 students offering over 100 programs of study including Ph.D., master, baccalaureate, associate, pre-professional and certification programs. The website for complete information is www.campbellsville.edu.
Campbellsville University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award certificates, associate, baccalaureate, masters and doctoral degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the status of Campbellsville University.