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In September, I had a letter to the editor published by the Bangor Daily News about my concerns regarding the changes in DEI policies at the University of Maine at Orono. In my letter I included a link to a petition to this effect that I formulated, which I was preparing to send to the University of Maine President Joan Ferrini-Mundy.
I hand-delivered my letter, which had over 200 signatures, to the president on Nov. 3. I am awaiting a response from her.
Subsequently, on Nov. 20, myself and philosophy emeritus professor Doug Allen held an event at the University of Maine entitled “Diversity, Equality, Inclusion, and Related Democratic Values and Policies Under Attack at UMaine and Beyond: How We Push Back.” Our event stimulated lively discussion, and it was recommended that I write a follow-up letter to the Bangor Daily News, requesting a response to my petition from Dr. Ferrini-Mundy.
The need for an appropriate response is especially highlighted by the Trump administration’s current attempts to end DEI and control academic course content as well as hiring and admissions policies at colleges and universities all over the United States, although thus far there has been little interest in accepting this compact.
It is my hope that Dr. Ferrini-Mundy reads this letter and decides to respond appropriately to the concerns expressed.
Elliot Benjamin
Winterport
