Dear Editor:
I read your story today regarding Clemson University’s College of Science and the new faculty hiring process that is being finalized, and feel the need to offer a clarification.
While Clemson is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that reflects the world around us, the College of Science has not instituted hiring quotas with respect to underrepresented minority groups for future faculty hires.
The slide that was obtained by FITSNews, and which formed the basis of your article, was the first draft of a proposed hiring process and timeline shared with College of Science leadership on April 16. The language in question was subsequently changed in early May as part of an iterative review process that is ongoing.
The current version of the timeline and process clearly states that, while recruiting diverse faculty is important to the College, it should be the “goal” of the College to recruit more faculty members from underrepresented minority groups, not a mandate.
I hope you will use this information to update your story. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.
Thanks,
Mark Land
Vice President – University Relations
Clemson University
P.S. – One other point of clarification on information you have shared multiple times in stories on Clemson. The university did not ‘boot’ a man for praying on campus, as you and some other outlets have reported. The individual in question, who is a local pastor in the City of Clemson and not associated with the university, was soliciting people to pray with him on campus. Since he is not a member of the campus community, he was asked politely to move to a nearby area on campus designated as a place for non-Clemson individuals and organizations to gather to solicit or demonstrate, as we would have done with any other non-affiliated individual or group. He politely agreed and has returned to the same location several times since to offer to pray with members of the campus community without incident.
***
SIC SEZ …
Mark, Thank you for taking the time to respond! We have updated our original post to incorporate your comments and have also provided a link to your letter in our original coverage. Our microphone is Clemson’s microphone – at any time on any issue.
***
WANNA SOUND OFF?
Got something you’d like to say in response to one of our stories? Please feel free to submit your own guest column or letter to the editor via-email HERE. Got a tip for us? CLICK HERE. Got a technical question or a glitch to report? CLICK HERE. Want to support what we’re doing? SUBSCRIBE HERE.
Banner: Clemson University