Sept. 26, 2016
Early this morning, a member of our University of Michigan community found and removed several fliers in Haven and Mason halls, in the heart of central campus, that espouse a racist point of view.
Messages of racial, ethnic or religious discrimination have no place at the University of Michigan. Targeted attacks against groups of people serve only to tear apart our university community.
While we continue to defend any individual’s right to free speech on our campus, these types of attacks directed toward any individual or group, based on a belief or characteristic, are inconsistent with the university’s values of respect, civility and equality. We also have a responsibility to create a learning environment that is free of harassment. These are core values and guiding principles that will help us as we strive to live up to our highest ideals.
In this time of heightened political strife, we believe these values take on even more importance as people and beliefs are targets of divisive rhetoric. But amidst these challenging times, our core values can help ground our community.
These types of incidents can be reported to the university’s Bias Response Team at 734-615-BIAS (2427). More information is available online here: https://deanofstudents.umich.edu/article/bias-response-team
We stand together against hate and we all must work together toward deeper understanding.
Mark Schlissel,
President
Martha Pollack,
Provost
Royster Harper,
Vice President for Student Life
Rob Sellers,
Vice Provost for Equity, Inclusion and Academic Affairs
University Record: U-M leaders say posted fliers aren’t consistent with university’s values (9/27/16)
