Faculty Reading Initiative
As one of the events associated with my upcoming inauguration, I am pleased to announce a Faculty Reading Initiative (FRI), which is designed to allow our university community to explore a topic that is relevant to the entire community. All faculty members are encouraged to participate in this activity.
While other organizations and professions have similar programs, there is not, so far as I know, another major university with a reading program focused specifically and solely on faculty. This activity is modeled basically on our freshman-assigned-text concept, but takes the idea in a new direction. Through the FRI, faculty from all colleges and departments will have a single point of reference from which to facilitate discussions on a boundary-crossing issue.
Co-sponsored by my office and the Center for the Study of Race and Race Relations, the selected text is Dr. Beverly D. Tatum's book, 'Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? And Other Conversations About Race' (Basic Books, 2003). This outstanding work features a frank and wide-ranging discussion of race relations. Dr. Tatum, noted author, researcher, clinical psychologist, and ninth president of Spelman College, presents a well-researched discussion on the issues of racial identity, race-related curriculum development, and the need for cross-racial dialogue.
As part of the UF presidential inaugural activities, the FRI will hold a two-part symposium on Sept. 9 at the Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. The first part, from 1:30 to 3 p.m., will consist of a faculty round-table discussion. Twelve faculty members, representing UF's various colleges and disciplines, will discuss Dr. Tatum's book in particular and race-related curricula issues in general. The second part, from 3 to 4:30 p.m., will be a lecture by Dr. Beverly Tatum, followed by a question and answer session. Dr. Tatum's presentation will be given in a time period during which no other inaugural activity will be scheduled, allowing for a good cross-section of the university to attend.
To make securing a copy of this book as convenient as possible, my office has purchased 200 copies of Dr. Tatum's book. They will be available on July 15th and distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis. You, or anyone on your behalf, can pick up a copy of the book from the President's Office (226 Tigert Hall). Please, only one book per faculty member. Other copies will be available in the lending libraries around campus.
I am hopeful this approach to community dialogue will be met with enthusiasm by the faculty. If so, we will consider continuing this program in the future.
Sincerely,
J. Bernard Machen
President