Dear Doane Community
As the Doane community we are known for our strong sense of commitment to each other. We know how to roll up our sleeves and do our part to help, to problem solve, and move forward together. When COVID-19 unexpectedly upended our lives, it changed our plans and routines and left us grieving for losses of all kinds.
But it didn't change who we are as Doane Tigers.
We see our faculty worry about our students as they work hard to shift to online teaching and learning. We see community members checking on each other's well-being during these moments of uncertainty. Students and families adapting to new housing arrangements. Teams of staff and faculty collaborating to make tough decisions that aim to be inclusive of diverse identities, backgrounds, and needs.
It's been tough and I recognize that no words will bring the comfort and normalcy that we seek. That's why we should give ourselves the space to share in our struggles and find hope when we (virtually) lean on one another. It's okay to ask for help.
Now more than ever, I ask us to continue championing our principles of diversity, equity and inclusion–in all that we do and all that we stand for because each of us is experiencing this public health crisis in varying ways.
From access to the internet in rural America, to a family member's job loss, to the impact on one's mental health, we all have different needs and our actions and decisions should be responsive to those we serve and the situations they face. We won't always get it just right, but we have to do our best. Racial, socioeconomic, and gender disparities exist in society–to mention a few–without the added stress of a pandemic. We can raise our awareness and be intentional, so we can avoid widening these inequities, especially among our most vulnerable community members.
The Doane story is a story of resilience, of not going at it alone. We are here and ready to serve.
Sincerely,
Luis F. Sotelo, Vice President of the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion