Dear Spartans,
It’s been a busy start to the academic year, and we want to thank the many people across our campus working so hard to make every Spartan feel welcome and, above all, safe. This is a big, wonderful community, and we all belong here.
We know how much potential this fall semester holds for us all, which is why we want to take a moment to reaffirm some of our university’s core values. Our individual integrity and collective empathy are what make us Spartan strong.
In addition to our values, we want to reinforce last month’s message on civil discourse, including an expectation of treating each other with respect, civility and dignity and fostering a positive and respectful environment in which we can all thrive.
Sadly, the strong bonds that bind us were tested this past weekend by instances of antisemitism, anti-Black racism and homophobia through hateful expression and actions in two of our residence halls and nearby grounds. These incidents were promptly reported to the MSU Department of Police and Public Safety and the Office for Civil Rights and related student conduct processes. Those found responsible through our ongoing investigation will be held accountable and disciplined. We expect better from those who are offered the privilege of joining our community of scholars.
Incidents like these are unacceptable, and we denounce discrimination and harassment of any kind. Every Spartan is a unique and valued member of our community, representing different cultures and backgrounds, and the university is stronger for it.
As university staff respond to these incidents and those affected, we want to share important resources available to our university community. A comprehensive student resource page includes information and links for reporting incidents of discrimination and harassment, relationship violence and sexual misconduct and crime.
We also want to share helpful information about understanding and reporting a hostile environment and MSU’s anti-discrimination process. Additional information will be forthcoming this week in a notice of non-discrimination.
As we continue the fall semester, let us remember that words have impact, and hateful rhetoric based on personal identity can create a hostile environment corroding our campus climate. That’s why we must continue to foster an inclusive, collaborative community in which the rich backgrounds and experiences of all Spartans are appreciated as a force for good. To forge a better tomorrow, let’s begin by recognizing our common humanity and the inherent dignity in each other, building shared trust and mutual respect.
Sincerely,
Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D.
President
Vennie Gore(he/him)
Senior Vice President for Student Life and Engagement
Jabbar R. Bennett, Ph.D.(he/him)
Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer
Laura Rugless(she/her)
Vice President for Civil Rights and Title IX Coordinator