Dear faculty, staff, and students,
Last night, racist graffiti was discovered on the door of one of our residential commons. The vile markings are a complete affront to Colgate’s vision and practice of inclusive excellence. Diversity, inclusion, and equity are essential to the well-being of our campus culture and acts that are an affront to these principles will not be tolerated here.
Campus safety immediately launched an investigation into this discriminatory act, and the residents who discovered the message were offered support from several faculty and staff members last night. We will do everything to identify the perpetrator of this act and hold them accountable according to the university’s disciplinary process.
Discriminatory incidents like this are hurtful and harmful to the fabric of our community. I know that we are better than the ignorance and intolerance this message represents. The acts of kindness and compassion I have witnessed in our community since joining Colgate last summer are evidence of our strengths and potential. Nevertheless, this incident should serve as a reminder that we continue to have important work to do in becoming a more inclusive community.
To colleagues who have supported these students and the communities impacted by this act, thank you. I expect our response in the coming days will reflective of a caring and supportive community and I look forward to working together for the inclusive excellence to which we aspire.
Sincerely yours,
Paul
Paul J. McLoughlin II, Ph.D.
Vice President & Dean of the College
