Chancellor Philip P. DiStefano
During the past several years, I have been committed to addressing issues of sexual misconduct at CU Boulder. Over the past six months and especially the past two weeks, I have spent serious time reflecting on my erroneous interpretation of our sexual misconduct policy as it applied to allegations of domestic abuse by one of our former coaches.
In that case, my focus was on compliance rather than my ethical responsibility to consider what else needed to be done to address the allegations. Recognizing my own failure has made me that much more resolved to address issues of sexual misconduct and to create a safe environment for everyone at CU Boulder.
Among the things I have reflected upon is that, every day I see examples of our students, faculty and staff taking actions that realize the values of the student-initiated Colorado Creed and our Inclusive Excellence initiative. Relying upon these values and driving for inclusive excellence must be the foundation for my efforts in leading the campus toward a safe environment for all.
In the near term, I will ask a group of campus stakeholders to convene to ensure we comply with the complete actions laid out by President Benson. They will work to establish the necessary schedule and processes, as well as a communications strategy to keep you up-to-date on this work.
For my part, I will work to deepen my understanding of issues around sexual misconduct. Though I have been an advocate for safety, there is more for me to learn. I will work with our campus experts on what else we need to do, including further strengthening our partnerships on campus and with Safehouse Progressive Alliance for Nonviolence and other community partners.
I will take our values conversation further into our leadership work starting with a meeting of the senior leaders of the campus early this fall. My message today and going forward is that we have a unique opportunity to realize our vision and goals in all that we do because we are guided by our shared values. By focusing on these values, we are building an effective and meaningful institution that contributes to the greater good of the community, nation and world.
I look forward to working with you to realize this vision.
Philip P. DiStefano,
Chancellor
