Actions Taken Following On-Campus Forum

A note to the campus community from President John Ettling:

I am writing to let you know of actions we are taking in the wake of tonight's (Feb. 15) forum where we discussed the racist image recently shared on social media. 

The voices of student speakers tonight were loud and clear. I appreciated each statement. The concerns of students, faculty and staff were heard by me and my administration.

While it is necessary to state our values and redouble our efforts in emails such as the ones we sent earlier today and yesterday, I know that is not enough. From that, here's what I can share with you tonight:

•Although federal law prohibits me from discussing individual student records, please know that actions were taken based on new information heard tonight.

•Draft changes were made tonight to further strengthen our code of conduct manual. A diverse group, including student leaders, met for three hours following the forum. The areas cover bullying, harassment, disorderly conduct and endangerment and will be solidified soon.

•Efforts improve the diversity of the student conduct board will be undertaken by increasing the ways by which we solicit participation.

•The provost will send a note to faculty before Friday classes conveying the expectation that instructors should do everything possible to accommodate absences related to the forum or other meetings that happened on Thursday, Feb. 15.

•Students are encouraged to provide feedback on the draft changes to the code of conduct on Friday at 10 a.m. in the Cardinal Lounge. Bryan Hartman and Larry Allen from Student Affairs will be present. We will work together with students to examine possible further changes that may be needed soon after.

•The Student Health and Counseling Center will have available walk-in times between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Friday.

We will continue to listen, learn and lead on this matter, showing — not just telling — that we don't tolerate hate.