Bradley University Statement Regarding Racial Tensions and Violence

June 2, 2020

Dear Bradley Family,

This week marks my first official week as Bradley’s sole president. It is an honor to be connected with an institution with such a rich history and a strong sense of values. As noted in the core values of the university, “We are a community that strives to contribute meaningfully to understanding and resolving the problems around us. By embracing servant leadership, purposeful civil discourse, and an inclusive identity whereby we understand that our differences are our strengths, we lend our passions and knowledge to build valued relationships with local, regional and global partners.” Inclusivity is core to our identity as an institution. It is in our very DNA, through Lydia Moss Bradley, in initially founding of Bradley in 1897 to being open to all.

The vandalism and violence that have taken place in our community over the past few days are an outcry against the systemic racism that continues to plague our country. At a time when we should be together to fight against a global pandemic, we are fighting each other instead.

It is especially critical during this challenging time that we reaffirm our value of creating an inclusive community. Open dialogue, empathy, understanding, tolerance and kindness are needed now, more than ever. Please join me in reaffirming our commitment to an inclusive environment, an environment where we do not tolerate violence based on perceived differences but instead embrace our diversity as one of our greatest strengths. This is at the heart of who we are as an institution. This is what it means to be a part of the Bradley family.

Sincerely,

Stephen Standifird
President, Bradley University