OHIO STATE HOSTS TOWN MEETING ON ANTI-AFFIRMATIVE ACTION LEGISLATION

   COLUMBUS -- The threat of anti-affirmative action legislation is the focus of an upcoming Ohio State University town meeting. The event, “How Will OSU Establish and Maintain a Diverse Student, Faculty and Staff Community in the Face of Anti- Affirmative Action Legislation?” takes place Wednesday (10/6) from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Ohio Union Conference Theatre, 1739 N. High St.

   “We don’t want anti-affirmative action legislation to hinder the diversity of Ohio State’s student, faculty and staff population and community,” said Janice Hoffman, director of Ethnic Student Services. “We hope this town meeting will encourage and establish fruitful dialogue on how the university can overcome the potential effects of such legislation. We want students, faculty and staff to be heard so that our university leadership will have tangible information and opinions as it strives to increase and support diversity across this campus. This meeting is proactive and will be an important beginning for the ongoing need for communication and dialogue.”

   David Williams II, vice president for student and urban/community affairs, will moderate the discussion. Panelists include Frank Hale, distinguished university representative and consultant; Edward J. Ray, executive vice president and provost; Virginia Trethewey, executive assistant to the president and general counsel; Timothy Knowles, vice provost for minority affairs; Deborah Gill, director of Reprographics and Printing Services and a member of the OSU Diversity Committee; and Robin Brown, interim director of Undergraduate Admissions.

   Immediately following the town meeting, participants will have the opportunity to continue discussion with panelists about issues surrounding anti-affirmative action legislation. A reception with refreshments will follow the meeting, which is free and open to the public, in the Main Lounge across from the Conference Theatre.

   The town meeting is part of Ohio State’s continuing involvement in the national Racial Legacies and Learning Initiative. Sponsors of the meeting are the Racial Legacies and Learning Initiative and the Division of Student Affairs.

Contact: Janice Hoffman, Ethnic Student Services, (614) 688-4988