The president of Wayne State University sent an email to the student body Monday in which he defended diversity and inclusion in regards to Republican students.

M. Roy Wilson, president of Wayne State, said “diversity includes the full range of people, thoughts and ideas” in the email sent to students, as obtained by The Daily Caller News Foundation.

“At Wayne State, diversity and inclusion are more than words — they are a commitment,” Wilson said in his email. “This is a proud part of our history that is still evident across our campus. But diversity and inclusion aren’t automatic; they need our constant attention and commitment, especially in sensitive times like we are experiencing today.”

The president of the Michigan school then stated how he had recently met with student Republicans.

“These students were respectful and articulate during our discussion,” said Wilson, “and they feel strongly that their political views are not welcome at Wayne State, either on the campus or in the classrooms. In many of the examples they shared, their views were met with denunciation and insult rather than a respectful exchange of different viewpoints.”

Wilson explained the students felt ostracized because of their views and worried this could negatively impact their grades. (RELATED: Professor Lowers Student’s Grade For Using The Word ‘Mankind’ In Essay)

“After listening to these students, I think it’s important for all of us to keep in mind that diversity includes the full range of people, thoughts and ideas,” the president mentioned, “even political ideas with which some of us may disagree.”

“Universities, at their best, should be ideal settings for respectful dialogue and debate between different points of view. We must strive for this ideal on our campus and allow for the peaceful and public expression of differing views.”

Wayne State received criticism last year for dropping a math requirement and considering implementing a mandatory diversity course.

The DCNF reached out to Wayne State to inquire about particular instances in which Republican students had felt shunned because of their views, but Wayne State said it had nothing specific to add to the president’s statement.

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