Stokes embraces diversity, inclusion

THE ALBUQUERQUE NAACP would like to publicly thank University of New Mexico President Garnett Stokes for making a bold statement to UNM and communities at large for her appointment of Dr. Assata Zerai to the position of Vice President for Equity and Inclusion.

Dr. Zerai is the first African American to go through a selection process and then be appointed vice president at UNM. If my history is accurate, Stokes made a historic decision by selecting Zerai. A qualified African American has finally become part of the executive-decision-making component at UNM.

President Stokes has met with various representatives of the African American community since her arrival to UNM. Her direct and frank conversations have always been favorable to suggestions related to diversity and inclusion. Her decision to select Zerai further grounds her position on inclusion.

Most fair-minded thinking individuals know there is a lack of African Americans in high-level executive positions in other departments at UNM, within the public schools system and governmental agencies. When the president of UNM makes a brave move to hire the best qualified, in her opinion and that of the selection committee and students, that person needs to be commended. Zerai just happens to be an African American who met the ultimate threshold of competition for the position of vice president for Equity and Inclusion.

Historically speaking, a significant number of African Americans are completely left out of the hiring process. Many don’t receive interviews either. In this particular instance, it was a success.

Although President Stokes has set the standard, others within UNM need to pay attention. She has only been here for a short time and is making bold and fair decisions. There are others at the university who have been executives, deans and directors for extended periods of time and have fallen short in regard to being inclusive of all minorities and embracing diversity. As they say, “action speaks louder than words.”

HAROLD BAILEY President, Albuquerque NAACP