Davis: hatred, intolerance, intimidation, disrespect have no place at UCA | TheCabin.net

During the University of Central Arkansas Board of Trustees meeting Aug. 18, President Houston Davis spoke on the white nationalist rally that recently took place in Charlottesville, Virginia.

The rally was led by white supremacists and neo-Nazis and ended in the death of one 32-year-old counter protester.

Davis said that through media reports and conversations, most in the community know what occurred during the event and as a new resident of Arkansas, was “very heartened” by the strong statement Gov. Asa Hutchinson released on the issue.

In the statement, Gov. Hutchinson said that every generation must “affirm and live American values anew” and equal opportunity and respect for every race is important “fundamental to what is great” about the country.

“The whole concept of white supremacy or neo-nazi dogma must be rejected at every turn,” the statement reads. “After the Charlottesville violence I consistently spoke out against the racism and hatred and violence displaced before a national audience.”

Davis said hatred, intolerance, intimidation and disrespect are not words or concepts of UCA.

“Our university’s core values center around [AVID] academic vitality, integrity and diversity,” he said.

These core values, Davis said, are displayed on signs all throughout campus, but most importantly, found within the spirit and deeds of UCA faculty, staff and students.

“As we begin our fall semester, I want our new students and our returning students to know that empathy for fellow man, tolerance for others and respect for common decency are central tenants of our work here,” he said. “As an institution of higher learning, safety and civility are my top priorities.”

The Log Cabin Democrat reached out to Hendrix College for a statement. Officials pointed the LCD in the direction of the school’s statement of purpose and statement of diversity.

“Hendrix College values a diverse learning environment enriched by the race, ethnicity, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, socioeconomic status, ability, culture, political philosophies, geographical backgrounds, and intellectual perspectives of its students, faculty, staff, and administrators,” the statement approved by faculty in April 2016 and board of trustees in 2016, reads. “We believe diversity makes the whole richer, and that participating in a dynamically inclusive community provides a framework for successful leadership and engaged citizenship in the 21st century.”

The LCD also reached out to Central Baptist College for a comment but did not hear back by press time Tuesday.

In other news, the board of trustees appropriated $31,770,000 in bonds — $23,270,00 is for refinancing outstanding bonds and $8,500,000 is for new money to fund the housing renovations on campus — during the meeting Friday.

The refinancing bonds are from 2006 and 2007 that cover the housing projects at College Square, New Hall, Farris Hall, Stadium Park Apartments and Torreyson Apartments and the 2012 auxiliary bond for the addition and expansion work to the HPER building.

The board of trustees also approved the hiring of Stocks Mann Architects and Nabholz Construction to design, oversee and complete the renovations of the residence halls.

During the regular meeting, the board of trustees also heard updates on projects throughout campus that went on this summer — ones that will continue through the new school year and crucial needs that must be addressed ASAP — including the Farris Center generator, which according to officials during the board meeting, quit working during the August commencement ceremony causing the electricity to go out.

“That’s my No. 1 priority right now because it is such a safety issue,” UCA Vice President of Finance and Administration Diane Newton said. “We don’t want to be in that position again.”

Also on the agenda was the celebration of the UCA Police Department’s June 28 accreditation status by the Arkansas Law Enforcement Accreditation Program.

Gary Sipes, the executive director of the Arkansas Association of Chiefs of Police, said in the past few years, an accreditation program composed of 188 standards was created. To receive accreditation, an agency had to complete them all and show proof.

“You should be very proud of this police department,” he said. “They have gone above and beyond and in most cases, they have surpassed the 188 standards. I am very proud of them.”

Sipes said the UCA community should feel safe knowing the UCAPD went above and beyond.