Schools, like communities, are a collection of people united by a common set of values. The systemic racism, discrimination, and the killing of Black men, women, non-binary individuals, and children are antithetical to our values as an institution of higher education. Together we will confront and oppose racism because Black Lives Matter.
We recognize that the injustices committed against Black people and other People of Color are not isolated incidents. We further recognize that all systems and institutions have played a role in perpetuating these injustices. We have a responsibility to reflect on our own systems and work towards being part of a greater solution and not a silent, unwitting participant.
We will review our hiring processes to increase the diversity in our staff and faculty. Together we will support our Black students, staff, faculty, and community members. We will reach out to Black leaders and members of the industry to involve them in our advisory councils and evolve our curriculum. We will learn by doing, and together we will all help end the spread of hate and violence in our communities.
We recognize that diverse voices and perspectives enrich the educational experience of everyone. We will increase our recruitment of Students of Color but recognize that college can remain unaffordable for many. We have recently increased the amounts available in our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion scholarships. This week our leadership has committed to the creation of a new scholarship of $200,000 for Black students and Students of Color beginning in Fall 2021. The annual scholarship disbursement will increase to $1,000,000 over the next five years.
As a creator of the future workforce in the interactive media, technology, and video game industries, we must acknowledge the exploitation and inequities that have occurred in the past and actively work to prevent their continuation in the future. We will support, recognize, and celebrate the contributions of Black individuals to our student body, staff, faculty, alumni, and allied industry professionals.
We ask that all members of the DigiPen community and the world at large hear Black voices and see what they are experiencing. We will not ignore what is going on all around us. Together we must confront and oppose racism because Black Lives Matter.