Skip to main content
University of Texas at Austin Home
Office of the PresidentOffice of the President logo
Menu
University of Texas at Austin Home
The University of Texas at Austin
Office of the President
  • UT Strategic Plan
  • UT Strategic Plan
  • About the President Expand
  • Messages & Speeches Expand
  • Awards & Fellowships Expand
  • Councils & Programs Expand
  • Leadership & Staff Expand
  • Home
  • Messages & Speeches : 2020 Messages & Speeches
  • Listening Closely and Moving Forward Together

Listening Closely and Moving Forward Together

June 15, 2020

Dear UT Community,

During the past few days, I have heard from many students, alumni, faculty and staff asking for meaningful changes to promote diversity and equity and ensure that black students at UT are fully supported. It is important, first, for me to listen closely — and then to work with the entire community to develop a plan to move the university forward.

These letters, calls and petitions come amid the national outrage over the killing of George Floyd and other black people by police. They reflect the deep pain and frustration that many of you feel about where we are as a society and a university. 

I have begun scheduling conversations with students, including leaders of black student organizations and student athletes, as well as other community members to hear their concerns and ideas directly.

Working together, we will create a plan this summer to address these issues, do better for our students and help overcome racism. 

I thank you for your ideas and ongoing guidance and welcome your emails and suggestions. I pledge that we will come together as a community to make The University of Texas an even greater place.

Hook 'em,

Jay Hartzell
Interim President

Office of the Presidentmain_logo

110 Inner Campus Drive
Stop G3400
Austin, TX 78712-3400
512-471-1232 (Phone)
512-471-8102 (Fax)
president@utexas.edu

Site Links

  • WEBSITE FEEDBACK
  • MAPS
  • DIRECTORY
  • EVENTS

President on Twitter

  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Emergency Information
  • Site Policy
  • Web Accessibility Policy
  • Web Privacy Policy
© The University of Texas at Austin 2023