Turner talks of championing diversity, equity and inclusion at Campbellsville University chapel

by Anastasia Gentry, student news writer, Office of University Communications

Campbellsville, KY (02/09/2021) — Dr. William H. Turner discussed diversity, equity and inclusion at Campbellsville University during a virtual session Jan. 28. The event was presented by the Office of Diversity and Community which featured a presentation followed by an active response to a number of questions and comments by faculty and staff.

Turner is a visiting scholar at Campbellsville University who specializes in Black Appalachian Studies. He has held numerous academic positions, including interim president of Kentucky State University, vice president for Multicultural Affairs at the University of Kentucky and Distinguished Professor of Appalachian Studies and Regional Ambassador at Berea College.

Turner began his address with a quote from Dr. John Chowning, executive assistant to the president for government, community and constituent relations, quoting: "Work toward a university environment that places value on all people regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, language, economic status, religion, etc."

Turner discussed the then and now in situations, and how much diversity has changed when it comes to race. He said in 1967 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was the "most dangerous man in America" in his time. And now, white extremist groups are "the most dangerous threat to domestic peace in America," he said.

Turner said diversity at times can be a touchy subject for others. "Let's say you're in a setting of nothing but white people, would you get looked at for bringing up diversity?"

"All it takes for evil to prevail is for good people to do nothing," he said.

Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university with more than 13,500 students offering over 100 programs of study including Ph.D., master, baccalaureate, associate, pre-professional and certification programs. The website for complete information is www.campbellsville.edu.

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