University presidents gather with Indiana state, city and civic leaders in virtual summit on anti-racism and community safety
Marion, Ind. (July 10, 2020) — The presidents of nine Indiana colleges and universities met virtually on Friday, July 10, along with dozens of Indiana state, city and civic leaders to listen, discuss mutual needs, and better understand how to advance the work of racial justice and transformation.
The nine presidents explain, “We lament the brutal deaths of innocent African-American men and women that have created such pain, anger and frustration for our communities. We grieve over the violence and division that threaten to tear apart the social fabric of our communities and our nation. As persons of faith, and leaders of Christ-centered universities, we wish to come together to do all we can do to promote the well-being of the people and communities we serve.”
The two-hour conversation attended by 60 north-central Indiana leaders – including presidents; chancellors; state senators Andy Zay and Travis Holdman; representatives of Congressman Jim Banks and Congresswoman Susan Brooks; mayors; sheriffs; police chiefs, NAACP leaders; academic and other city and civic leaders – reiterated the importance of collective action to rid Indiana of the effects of systemic racism.
President John Pistole of Anderson University (Anderson), President Sherilyn Emberton of Huntington University (Huntington), President Bill Katip of Grace College and Seminary (Winona Lake), President Gregg Chenoweth of Bethel University (Mishawaka), Interim President Paige Cunningham of Taylor University (Upland), President Dave McFadden of Manchester University (North Manchester and Fort Wayne), President Karl Einolf of Indiana Tech (Fort Wayne), President Rebecca Stoltzfus of Goshen College (Goshen) and President David Wright of Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU Marion) each invited members of their local communities to participate in this conversation.
Joining McFadden from Manchester University were Assistant Professor of Social Work Alicia Dailey, Director of Advising Mara Youngbauer, Assistant Director of Student Diversity and Inclusion Maegan Pollonais and Vice President for Student Life Abby Van Vlerah. Those taking part from the town of North Manchester were Police Chief Jim Kirk, Town Manager Adam Penrod and Community Foundation of Wabash County Executive Director Patty Grant.
Taylor’s Cunningham introduced a four-member panel of religious and academic leaders who spoke about the realities of living as African-American professionals in a racially unjust world. Panelists shared insights about experiences of exclusion, concerns about personal and family safety, and the need to address difficult issues through transformational conversations. They shared evidence from their communities of progress toward the goal of inclusion for all: More listening is needed. More self-inspection with the willingness to move along in the process of conquering racism needs to take place. More bridges in personal understanding and commitment need to be built.
Anderson’s Pistole introduced the second panel, which consisted of law enforcement officials from the FBI and from Madison County. Paul Keenan, special agent in charge of the FBI Indianapolis Field Office, provided clarity on the FBI's mandate to address civil rights issues and provided data as to the number of hate crimes and color of law cases being reviewed at this time.
Local law enforcement leaders spoke candidly about the importance of providing better training for officers and accountability for supervisors, as well as the importance of continuing to support local law enforcement efforts as they work toward education and reform. There were specific calls for empowered review boards and for meaningful reform of some police practices. Efforts that have been made to have discussions with people in their local communities have proven to be very helpful for all.
As a part of the panel on law enforcement reform, James Burgess, president of the Anderson-Madison NAACP, provided powerful insights into the ways in which the NAACP and activist organizations are engaged in much-needed discussions of appropriate law enforcement reforms. He emphasized that the NAACP does not tolerate violence, nor is it interested in overthrowing existing government structures that serve local communities well. He did, however, stress the importance of continuing to work toward police reform, de-escalation training, a ban on knee-holds and the creation of citizen review boards with subpoena power to be present in all communities.
Lastly, Grace’s Katip facilitated a conversation with individuals in specific communities where significant change has taken place. Fort Wayne United Director Iric Headley shared the compelling results that have been achieved in the City of Fort Wayne over the last four years through intentional conversations, building relationships through small group meetings, community forums and racial dialogues. Through these proactive efforts of the city administration, Fort Wayne has seen a 66 percent decrease in aggravated assaults, a 56 percent decrease in hand-to-fist altercations, a 33 percent decrease in burglaries, a 28 percent decrease in auto theft, and a 63 percent decrease in shootings, which speaks to the power of dialogue, listening, building relationships and education.
Goshen College’s Stoltzfus invited Goshen Mayor Jeremy Stutsman to share about a recent “no-tolerance for racism” resolution passed by their city. As recently as the 1970s, Goshen was known as a “sundown city.” The city leaders are proactively working to eradicate racism from their midst. They serve as an example for other cities in taking an official anti-racism stance.
IWU’s Wright, organizer of the event, summarized the summit by saying, “Today’s summit showed the rich resources of people and ideas available throughout Indiana to address the needed transformation of our communities as we work toward racial justice and reconciliation. We look forward to working together to seize this moment for profound change in our communities.”
List of Panelists
Panel 1
- Joanne Barnes, dean of the graduate school and professor with the Department of Leadership Studies, Indiana Wesleyan University
- Rev. Gregory Dyson, special assistant to the president for Intercultural Initiatives, Taylor University
- Michael Thigpen, director of Cultural Resource Center, Anderson University
- Rev. Arthur Wilson, dean of spiritual life and campus pastor, Huntington University
Panel 2
- Paul Keenan, FBI, special agent in charge of the Field Office for Indianapolis
- Rodney Cummings, Madison County prosecutor
- Scott Mellinger, Madison County sheriff
- James Burgess, Anderson-Madison NAACP president
Panel 3
- Iric Headley, Fort Wayne United director
- Goshen Mayor Jeremy Stutsman
- Gilberto Perez Jr., dean of students, Goshen College, and Goshen City Council member
For the media
Manchester University contacts:
President Dave McFadden, President@manchester.edu, 260-417-5061
Assistant Professor of Social Work Alicia Dailey, aldailey@manchester.edu
Director of Advising Mara Youngbauer, MLYoungbauer@manchester.edu
Assistant Director of Student Diversity and Inclusion Maegan Pollonais, mdpollonais@manchester.edu
Vice President for Student Life Abby Van Vlerah, ALVanVlerah@manchester.edu
Indiana Wesleyan University contact:
Jill Pederson, Office of the President
Jill.pederson@indwes.edu
Manchester University, with campuses in North Manchester and Fort Wayne, Ind., provides vibrant and transformative student experiences. Learn more at www.manchester.edu/about-manchester
Our mission
Manchester University respects the infinite worth of every individual and graduates persons of ability and conviction who draw upon their education and faith to lead principled, productive and compassionate lives that improve the human condition.
July 2020