Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:
This afternoon, while sorting and preparing mail for distribution in Day Hall, a student worker made an alarming discovery: an anti-Black racial slur written on a package. At this time, we do not know if a member of our community is responsible for the writing on the package or if it was delivered that way. An investigation is underway to identify the perpetrator of this racist, bias-motivated act. The Department of Public Safety (DPS) is reviewing video taken by security cameras in the area, and we are hopeful that will help in identifying those responsible.
We encourage anyone with information to use the resources available to report this hateful act. You can call DPS directly at 315.443.2224. If you would like to anonymously report NON-EMERGENCY information to DPS, you can use the Silent Witness tool. Any bias-motivated incident reported to DPS will be posted on our public site, so that our campus community can be informed, vigilant and responsive. You can also report a bias incident and receive support through the Stop Bias website.
Following the racist incidents experienced on our campus last year, and at the recommendation of several student groups, including #NotAgainSU, we revised our Code of Student Conduct to strengthen the punishment for violations that are bias-motivated or racist. The code also demands that bystanders and accomplices to acts of bias or racism be held accountable. Every student in our community was required to agree to this code, and we will enforce it.
Over the last several months, our country has witnessed violent acts against Black Americans that disturbed us all. But we have also seen hope in the voices of brave Americans inspiring real change. That is courage. This act is cowardice. The slur discovered today is the act of an individual, or a few, operating in the shadows of anonymity. Whether this package arrived with the slur already written, or it happened by the hand of someone on our campus, the mind that embraces that kind of hate does not belong at Syracuse University.
We must collectively condemn any act that degrades individuals or groups based on their race, ethnicity or for any other reason. We must hold each other accountable. And we must extend kindness and support for those who are targeted and those who are hurting.
Sincerely,
Robert Hradsky, Ed.D.
Vice President for the Student Experience
Chief Bobby Maldonado
Department of Public Safety
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