Posted on behalf of President Shirley M. Collado
On Friday, Ithaca College students, faculty, and staff will come together here on our campus and then join our greater Ithaca-area community on the Commons to take part in the global climate strike. I am inspired by those within this campus community who bring their passion and collective energy to address the urgency of this complex global problem, and I am deeply inspired by our students, in particular, who are fighting for their futures and our shared humanity.
Though the effects of climate change impact everyone, the consequences are felt most strongly by vulnerable communities, including indigenous communities, communities of color, rural communities, and those of lower socio-economic means. Broad, collaborative solutions are necessary, which center our humanity and center the creation of systems and priorities that allow everyone to thrive.
Here on our campus, I am proud of the thoughtful work that we continue to do to focus on sustainability, particularly within our facilities master plan. And I am proud of our strategic plan, Ithaca Forever, which clearly positions action around climate change and its ramifications as a necessary component of our institutional work.
I stand in solidarity with our students, faculty, and staff who will step forward on Friday, and with those within our community who support this important event but whose schedules—mine included—do not enable them to participate in person.
Shirley M. Collado
President
https://www.ithaca.edu/intercom/article.php/2019091715514791