National coverage of the events ultimately leading to the retirement of President Tom Rochon have focused almost exclusively on the race-related aspects of the protests by students.

Ithaca College students and faculty members are upset following the Blue Sky Reimagining Kick-Off event, which they are calling racist and exclusive. The kick-off has some faculty questioning the entire initiative.

The Blue Sky Kickoff that happened on October 8, 2015, from 3-5pm in Emerson Suites was an exercise in exclusivity and privilege. At an institution that claims to have a commitment to excellence, the Blue Sky Reimagining event was antithetical to our mission.