The process of addressing racial attitudes and inclusion at Kansas University is just beginning, but the concerns of KU students are being heard.

No student body officers have resigned and no KU administrators have been dismissed, but there is no question students have gotten the attention of university policy makers. Some KU students may be disappointed by how long it takes to make significant policy changes, but the reaction of some state legislators to a suggested diversity training requirement at KU points out the complexity of this emotional debate.

Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little showed her commitment to this issue last week by showing up in person to moderate a forum that drew about 1,000 people to the Kansas Union. She listened and answered questions for more than two hours and allowed a student group to share a list of demands. The participants had the full attention of the university’s top administrator, who said at the end of the forum, “I am dedicated to making changes.”

The protestors called for KU administrators to present a plan of action by mid-January, and officials have said they will comply with that demand. According to Provost Jeff Vitter, the plan will target student retention and graduation rates, mandatory education on “inclusion and belonging” for all students and employees, plus a plan for accountability.

The vice provost for diversity and equity said that recruitment and retention of underrepresented students may be the most critical issue. KU has ongoing programs in those areas but expanding them would cost money. That could present some problems given tight university funding — and the reaction of some state legislators to suggested diversity training.

The chairman of the Kansas Board of Regents last week expressed support for an environment that allows “people of all faiths, all colors, all nationalities to feel safe and welcome.” That doesn’t sound particularly controversial, but, at the same time, at least a few state legislators saw plans for “inclusion and belonging training” on campus as a potential threat to students who hold conservative political views. Their criticism is a measure of the difficult task ahead not only for KU but other universities in Kansas and other states where concerns have been raised.

“I know and you know that there are still instances of racism here,” Gray-Little told last week’s gathering. “It’s disappointing that we are still talking about these topics, but we do still need to talk about them.”

Talk alone won’t satisfy concerned students, but it’s a start as KU works toward the goal of making itself a supporting and welcoming place for everyone on campus.