A Message to our Community

Contact:

Sherry Mercurio
Executive Director, Office of Community Relations
(614) 947-6581
Email: sherry.mercurio@franklin.edu

While Franklin University has generally refrained from commenting on current events, the tragic events of recent weeks impel us to publicly express our condemnation of racism in all its forms and our belief in equal justice before the law.  As we work with our students and stakeholders to live up to our goal of being a university of opportunity, we are always mindful that living out the true meaning of our creed as a country and a university requires honest self-reflection and a commitment to openness of thought.

A just society depends upon a well-founded belief that the rights of all citizens must be protected and that the laws must be enforced without fear or favor.  These expectations fall upon all members of society, but particularly upon those empowered to enforce the law.  When these expectations are not met consequences must follow, and our society is grappling with the repercussions.

The most effective way Franklin can oppose racism is by doing our work well as a university of inclusion—offering our academic programs and classes equally to all, providing employment and promotion opportunities equally to all,  and celebrating equally the successes of all our students and constituents.  Racism is antithetical to everything Franklin stands for.  Franklin has made it possible for all our students, including students of color, to achieve their goals and enrich their lives.

As a university we are committed to maintaining an inclusive environment free from discriminatory practices and behaviors.  We are proud of the work of our faculty, staff and students to help us move toward a more just society, and we reaffirm our commitment to empowering every member of our community to reach their full potential in life.

Dr. David R. Decker
President

About Franklin University

Accredited, nonprofit, and dedicated to educating adults since 1902, Franklin provides onsite course options at our Main Campus in downtown Columbus, Ohio, and is an innovator in providing personalized online education. The University offers applied in-demand undergraduate, masters, and doctorate programs that enable adult learners to achieve their educational and professional goals. Through agreements with partner institutions, the University also offers international academic programs, including its top-ranked MBA.

Franklin University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and holds specialized accreditations for specific academic programs through the International Accreditation Council for Business Education, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, and the Commission on Accreditation of Health Informatics and Information Management Education. The National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security have designated Franklin University as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE).