We the undersigned represent several generations of SUNY Plattsburgh alumni. We have seen news stories and social media posts regarding a recent abhorrent racist incident on campus. We have no doubt that many of the students’ feelings are valid and stem from a growing number of occurrences that have reduced their sense of safety. Indeed, we are aware that the administration has done and should do more to ensure that racism on campus is taken seriously. We lend our voices to this process as concerned alumni and members of the college’s larger community. We hope this letter contributes to responding to this moment in more meaningful and strategic ways.
We understand that the SUNY Plattsburgh community has experienced several tumultuous and racially charged incidents, which led to the appointment of J.W. Wiley as Chief Diversity Officer. It is crucial that Dr. Wiley maintain this position in order to achieve the very aims that students are demanding.
J.W. Wiley has been a beacon of hope and inspiration for thousands of students for years. His work on and off campus has addressed issues of intersectionality and social justice in order to to build a better world for all students. His courses have helped hundreds of students find their voice and become leaders in their communities. His office door has always been a welcoming and open space for any student, faculty, administrative, or community member to have these necessary yet uncomfortable conversations to push us forward.
We have also seen an outpouring of support from current students, faculty, and community members opposing J.W. Wiley’s resignation. We felt it our duty to echo these voices and add to the broader conversation on how we truly build a more inviting community at SUNY Plattsburgh.
While as alumni we may not be on campus everyday, we believe removing J.W. Wiley would be rash, short sighted, and have long term damaging consequences. J.W. Wiley has an affinity for connecting with students and nourishing long-standing mentorship with them. As alumni, it’s not uncommon for us to pick up the phone and ask him for career advice. His passion for and loyalty to his students is renowned. There is no doubt that the challenges currently facing SUNY Plattsburgh are complex and will require creative solutions. We are confident that Dr. Wiley has the skill and expertise to help bring the community together and begin repairing the glaring distrust between all stakeholders.
A university is a community made up of individuals coming together to learn from each other. Students, faculty, administrators, community members, and alumni should all have a voice if we are truly looking to build a better and more caring world. We hope our voice is heard as part of this vital conversation. We’re listening and ready to talk as well.
