Full Statement from Auburn University Black Student Union President John Otis Blanding:
As you know BSU values diversity in all forms, specifically intellectual diversity. Intellectual diversity is defined as the foundation of a learning environment that exposes students to a variety of political, ideological, and other perspectives. Intellectual diversity is an element of creativity where organizations and processes that have diverse thinkers are more likely to generate diverse ideas. This year's SGA executive board must take on a sense of creativity to combat the unfortunate, yet inevitable sentiments spurring from the absence of a minority representative. I have full confidence in these thought leaders to take on this task with fervor and grace. BSU will continue to advocate for diversity sciences at various layers of campus. Moreover, BSU will uphold its open door policy for students who wish to engage with us. Representation is important to us and vast majority of the student body; however, we will not allow perception to distract us from the ultimate goal--unity through education. Now is the time for us to grab our fellow student leaders by the hand and continue to move towards a more inclusive and diverse campus climate as a collective unit.
