In an email to the ETSU community Friday, ETSU President Brian Noland acknowledged the recent resignation of ETSU men’s basketball head coach Jason Shay and the frustration and speculation from ETSU and local community members regarding the situation.
“Over the course of the past few weeks, significant internal and external focus has been placed upon the campus of East Tennessee State University,” Noland said in the email. “The diversity and intensity of this scrutiny is palpable, as are the associated feelings of pain, hurt, and anger.”
Shay announced his resignation Tuesday, and over the course of the week, multiple players including Damari Monsanto, Sadaidriene Hall and Serrel Smith Jr. have entered the transfer portal. Fans have taken to social media to express frustration and confusion over Shay’s departure, asking questions as to whether it is connected to Shay’s support of his players when the men’s basketball team kneeled during the national anthem — a controversy that upset members of the local community.
Noland’s response comes after ETSU Athletic Director Scott Carter released a statement Thursday in response to the recent community speculation, stating that ETSU did not fire nor force Shay to resign.
“I have spoken with many across our campus who are disheartened by these recent events and feel like ETSU is not a place where they belong,” Noland said in the email. “I am pained that our community is hurting and I want to reassure each of you that ETSU is committed to being an inclusive institution where all are welcome to explore ideas and opportunities for growth and expression.”
“In order for growth to occur, we must acknowledge that many in society have experienced injustice,” Noland continued. “It is clear that there is deep hurt in the African American community, and I have heard from many that they feel, at a minimum, ignored, mistreated and disrespected. I have also heard that many veterans, service members and their families feel disrespected and that their sacrifices are unappreciated. It is incumbent upon all of us as members of the campus community to recognize and respect these feelings.”
Noland goes on to say that racial injustices and systemic racism exist and that ETSU’s mission is to improve the quality of life in our communities.
“We cannot fulfill that mission if we ignore the injustices that people of color and other underrepresented groups face,” he said.
He noted steps ETSU has taken in terms of equity and inclusion over the past 18 months, including expanding resources and programming for the Mary V. Jordan Multicultural Center, the Women’s Resource Center and the Black Faculty and Staff Association, as well as establishing the Dr. Patricia Robertson Pride Center and several new scholarship programs for underrepresented students. Noland said although these initiatives are significant, they are not enough.
Noland also announced in the email that ETSU has established a taskforce “focused on supporting diversity and inclusion and addressing social injustices,” as part of the Committee for 125 Chapter II. Janna Scarborough, dean of ETSU’s Clemmer College, will serve as taskforce chair. Noland said the composition of the taskforce will be announced next week, and its purpose is to help ETSU develop a long-term, comprehensive equity and inclusion action plan.
“Healing is going to take time, but I am committed to improving and continuing to support our student athletes as well as all of our students, faculty, and staff,” Noland said.
“I have always felt that ETSU was a source of inspiration and hope for our region. I believe we are a place that provides fertile soil for change, and I hope that you know that my commitment to our equity and inclusion goals is unwavering.”
