Category: Messages

September 21, 2020 Dear Trojan Community, We wanted to update you on our search to hire the inaugural Vice President and Chief Inclusion and Diversity Officer (CIDO). We have been working diligently to find the right CIDO candidate who has an inspiring vision to lead our University through a lasting and significant transformation, one who…Continue Reading Update on Chief Inclusion and Diversity Officer Search

August 24, 2020 Dear USC Students, As we begin a new academic year, we write today to reaffirm the University’s commitment to our shared Principles of Community and to make clear our position on issues regarding online harassment, identity-based discrimination, and the importance of free speech. At USC, the principle of expansive free speech is a foundational…Continue Reading A Message to USC Students from Winston Crisp and Varun Soni

August 4, 2020 Dear USC community, Greetings. I hope this email finds you and your families safe and well. I am writing to update you on the initiatives I announced several weeks ago to confront systemic racism at USC. Over the past month, thousands of people have offered opinions and proposals for the change needed….Continue Reading Community Update from President Folt on Diversity Initiatives

July 31, 2020 Dear Colleagues, We know that racism affects the health and well-being of individuals and communities, and that working to end discrimination in all its forms can take a toll on our own mental health and well-being. As we continue the journey to creating a climate that prioritizes and fosters diversity, inclusion, belonging,…Continue Reading Summer Webinar Series on Racial Justice + Social Equity + Well-Being

July 29, 2020 As the search for the Vice President, Chief Inclusion and Diversity Officer (CIDO) gets underway, we write to request your input. Our collective commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, and belonging means that the CIDO will have the needed support and resources to build a team that will develop strategies and create programs…Continue Reading Provide Input During CIDO Listening Sessions

May 31, 2020 Dear Trojan Community, I write today, hoping you and your families are well and safe, yet knowing that many of you are not; your hearts are aching, and you are searching for answers, actions, and hope. The horrific deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and so many others, together with…Continue Reading Note to Community from President Folt

July 2, 2020 Dear Trojan Community, We are excited to announce the search for USC’s first Chief Inclusion and Diversity Officer (CIDO) has begun. This critical role is long overdue at USC, and President Folt has charged us to find the right candidate whose strategic leadership will cultivate a University climate that prioritizes and fosters…Continue Reading Update on Chief Inclusion and Diversity Officer Role

June 30, 2020 Dear Trojan Community, I am deeply moved and saddened by the many devastating stories and experiences of anti-Black racism at USC that our students and alumni are posting. It takes great courage and strength to share these stories publicly, and as President, I apologize for the pain you have suffered here. I promise…Continue Reading A Message from President Folt

June 11, 2020 Dear Trojan Community, This moment is our Call to Action, a call to confront anti-Blackness and systemic racism, and unite as a diverse, equal, and inclusive university. You have asked for actions, not rhetoric, and actions, now. Input from students, staff, faculty leadership, deans, our terrific diversity liaisons, our Culture Commission, alumni…Continue Reading A Message to the USC Community from President Folt

June 5, 2020 Dear Colleagues, Like most of you, my heart is heavy following the tragic deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery and the anguish afflicting our country, yet again. We are all experiencing immense grief and pain within our community and across the country as we simultaneously deal with the myriad…Continue Reading Note to Employees from Felicia A. Washington