01-27-2016, 11:53 AM
Quote:Dear Friends,
Our nation is in the midst of an ongoing conversation on race and the impact it has on all parts of our society. In the last six months, universities – including your alma mater – have increasingly been central to that dialogue.
An allegation of assault and racial slurs at an off-campus party late Saturday night has created an opportunity for further campus-wide discussion on race at The University of Toledo; a conversation that may be uncomfortable at times, but is essential for UT and our community to move forward. I wanted to be sure you had an understanding of our efforts to address this situation and the culture at UT.
Since learning of the incident on Sunday, Jan. 24, UT leaders have worked diligently to engage the campus community and students. We have let them know that student safety is our top priority and that violence will not be tolerated.
Toledo Police are leading a criminal investigation into the incident as it took place off-campus. UT Police are in contact with TPD.
A Student Code of Conduct investigation is in process, which provides due process for all involved. We are still investigating and all of the details are not yet available. Any student found in violation of the code will be held accountable for their actions.
UT is committed to a culture of inclusion regardless of religion, race, gender identity, sexual orientation or disability. We have no tolerance for behavior that runs counter to a safe, welcoming educational environment.
While the timing is coincidental, Dr. Willie McKether, special assistant to the president for diversity, is leading a number of open forums regarding diversity on campus in the coming days. These previously scheduled forums are part of the development of a Strategic Diversity Plan which I requested in November, one which Dr. McKether was asked to help coordinate during the Spring semester.
Your alma mater, our University, is an incredibly diverse campus in an incredibly diverse city. This is one of our strengths and one of the pieces that attracted me to Toledo. We are taking a number of steps to strengthen our diversity programs and our understanding of people with different life experiences during the course of the coming months, but we need your help.
In the coming days, I ask you to reach out to me at UTPresident@utoledo.edu with suggestions, solutions, and opportunities for a future of increased understanding.
Thank you for your continued commitment to UT's success and your ongoing efforts to promote UT across the nation and around the globe.
Sincerely,
Sharon L. Gaber
President
University of Toledo
