Out of Office 2020: Time for a Break

For the first time in a long time, I am taking time off. It has been exhausting to work in the academy, not because I don't have the skills to be successful, but because there is so much education needed by entire academic communities about issues of race, racism, sexism, and ageism. Unfortunately, these are touchy topics that many people don't want to talk about. It takes a village for everyone in an organization to feel safe, seen, and heard. For this reason, here is my "out of office" reply. Even if you are in the office, I encourage you to make a statement about your mindset during these historic times. Add it to your email signature or website. Post a video on your personal pages. If you are a diversity, equity, and inclusion advocate, now is the time to speak up. Do something. The world is watching.

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We are living in unprecedented times. The world as we knew it months ago has changed in ways that we could not have predicted at the beginning of 2020. 

 It is time to pause. What I have learned after 15 years as a professor is that people in the academy and in this world are in pain. Unity, leadership, and equity are needed to navigate the season we are in. 

 For this reason, I am taking a much-needed break. I am stepping back and reevaluating my priorities. I am renewing my commitment to justice. I am identifying ways to address systemic racism in higher education. I am developing a platform that will ensure that the voices of marginalized people are not silenced.

 Until August 2020, I am responding primarily to people with whom I have pre-established commitments. If you make requests that were not scheduled prior to May 31, I will respond to you at my earliest convenience. 

 Be good to those around you, stay safe, and respect the voices of others even if they differ from your own. 

No matter what things looks like at this moment, the best is yet to come. 

 Monica F. Cox (@drmonicacox)