Senator Margaret A. Sutton
By Jerry Oster, WNAX
YANKTON, S.D. (WNAX) — Members of the Joint Committee on Appropriations on their east river tour this week made a stop at USD in Vermillion Monday to talk about diversity.
A number of students that work with the Center for Diversity and Community on campus told the legislators how important that center was to them and other minority students.
Senator Maggie Sutton of Sioux Falls said she doesn’t like the words being used.
“I don’t like the word diversity,” Sutton said. “Because the word diversity to me means division.”
Sutton said she believes the organizations are pushing people apart.
“The other thing that I don’t hear is the white or American culture coming in, and the collaboration of that. I’m missing that,” Sutton said.
Travis Letellier, interim associate vice president for diversity at USD, told the group there seems to be some confusion between what student groups are doing and his office.
“In terms of an office for diversity, that’s me part time. All of these other student-focused offices are all in their own respective areas where it makes the most sense for them to be at.”
USD President Sheila Gestring told the legislators they are holding off on finding a new vice president for diversity.
Brian Maher, who heads the state Board of Regents, was at the meeting in Vermillion. Appropriations Committee meeting at USD Monday. He said the Regents are working on a more comprehensive policy on diversity.
“I don’t know if we’re working on a response necessarily to this convening, but I think we’re looking at the issue just like we’re looking a the issue nationwide,” Maher said.
WNAX asked Maher if diversity should be a hot-button issue. He replied, “I don’t know if it should or shouldn’t be, but it certainly is an issue.”
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