Pohl makes commitment to healing

At a Feb. 7 rally designed to promote awareness of the need for unity on the campus, UNT President Norval Pohl told students, staff and faculty that he is committed to "moving forward together" and to promoting unity and diversity.

The rally, organized by the Student Govern-ment Association and the Division of Equity and Diversity, stems from a Jan. 27 incident at the University Union resulting in the five-year suspension of the Kappa Alpha Order. Fraternity members were accused of misconduct including verbal abuse, disruption of university activities, intimidation and disorderly conduct.

Pohl told the assembled crowd that the rally in and of itself was not enough to bring about change.

"For the welfare and future greatness of our university, we must sustain momentum begun with this symbolic unity rally," Pohl said. "By the end of this semester, I would like to see our commitment of today evolve into a written compact of achievable and measurable goals."

Pohl challenged UNT staff, faculty and members of the student body to "seek active and accountable roles in a university wide effort" aimed at building a commitment to unity in the UNT campus and pride in the university's diversity.

"We must each accept responsibility for our role in achieving unity, and we must each begin by listening with respect and open hearts when other members share their ideas, passions and beliefs," he said. "We must also speak respectfully, show sensitivity and promote civility in our interactions."

BY MICHELLE HALE mhale@unt.edu

Other featured articles in this issue

• Proposed legislation seeks to create UNT-Dallas
• UNT System Center achieves $2.6 million goal
• TAMS student a finalist in science talent search
• Spring 2001enrollment up almost 2.7 percent
• Program designed to help reduce parent stress
• Several UNT departments settling into new homes
• UNT Psychology Clinic to offer counseling on overcoming negative feelings
• Novelist, essayist to speak at UNT March 1

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