“Our obligation as a learning community is to engage the tough but necessary conversations which challenge bias and prejudice and together create a stronger, more unified, beautifully diverse nation. Our purpose is not simply to graduate educated citizens. It is to graduate leaders capable of and committed to making our communities, our states and our nation more fair, more just and more compassionate. That potential requires education, to be sure, but it also requires the courage to speak and the confidence to lead. Those are qualities we strive to help our students develop at Franklin College. The future of our world demands them.” — President Kerry N. Prather, June 1, 2020
Campus Communication
June 17, 2021 – Juneteenth
June 15, 2021 – College Welcomes New Director of the Center for Diversity and Inclusion
August 28, 2020 – Message to the College Community from President Prather Concerning Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Initiatives
June 17, 2020 – Message to the College Community from Board Chair James Due and President Prather
June 1, 2020 – Message to Franklin College Students from Dean Jones
June 1, 2020 – Message to the College Community from President Prather
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Objectives
Franklin College has been engaged in a deep and broad conversation about how to improve the climate of inclusiveness and respect within the campus, the city of Franklin and Johnson County, and how to extend our influence in the world through the leadership of our alumni. The result of that conversation is encapsulated in the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Objectives listed below.
These objectives, initially undertaken during academic year 2020-21, represent a holistic, institutional approach; each Cabinet member has committed their respective division to the work as described. This list is not exhaustive, but rather a representation of important next steps we will take to live our vision for a welcoming, inclusive, respectful and supportive institution. The analysis and actions taken as we fulfill these objectives will inform future decision making, resource allocation, and strategic planning.
The President’s Cabinet will meet regularly with representative students to hear about their experiences, ascertain new needs, and course correct as necessary. They will provide important feedback on our progress towards these stated objectives. The President’s Council on Diversity and Inclusion will also contribute to evaluation, implementation, and assessment of our progress towards these objectives.
We are committed to this critically important work and to diversity, equity and inclusion at Franklin College.