Message from Chief Bobby Maldonado

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:

I am writing today to provide our monthly update regarding the investigation of bias incidents that have occurred on our campus. First, however, I want to address recent events that are deeply troubling to me, as they are to you.

As a father, a person of color and an officer of the law, I am outraged by the death of George Floyd at the hands of law enforcement. I am appalled by the officers’ callous disregard for human life. These racist, violent and hateful crimes have gone on too long, and I am heartened by the thousands of people—from all races, ethnicities and cultures—who have come together to demand change.

Last weekend, we heard from Chancellor Syverud, Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer Keith A. Alford and Hendricks Chapel Dean Brian Konkol. They remind all of us that we must do better by one another. For me and my law enforcement colleagues, that means condemning the actions of those responsible for Mr. Floyd’s death; acknowledging the anger, fear and pain created by racism and hate; and embracing our responsibility to our communities and country to address these injustices. I am committed to making real and lasting cultural change. I know for many, that change has not come quickly enough. I remain focused on advancing the commitments we made to our campus in recent months, particularly as it relates to campus policing, as part of that change.

Regarding the bias incidents that occurred on our campus this past year, our investigations team, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, continues to actively investigate these incidents. There are no new updates to report at this time but we continue this important work. As a reminder, we have created a table that is posted on the Department of Public Safety website to track the investigative status of these incidents.

It is never too late to come forward with information. A reward still remains available, thanks to the generosity of a concerned donor, for those who provide information that leads to the identification of responsible individuals. We can always be reached at 315.443.2224. If you would like to anonymously report NON-EMERGENCY information to DPS, you can use the Silent Witness tool or submit anonymous tips via the LiveSafe app. You may subscribe to the bias incident page at dps.syr.edu/public-information/bias-incident-reports.

Although we are in the midst of summer break, and as such, many of you are away from campus, I want to hear from you. Please don’t hesitate to contact me to discuss anything that may be on your mind.

Sincerely,

Chief Bobby Maldonado