Bias incident on campus
Last night, a swastika was found on the wall of one of our campus Residence Halls at the University of Indianapolis. We are saddened and angered by this act of hate and bigotry. Although we do not yet know the source of this anti-Semitic act, we should all be reminded that the University of Indianapolis is a welcoming and inclusive environment, denounces actions such as these, and does not tolerate anti-Semitic actions or any behavior that is aligned with ideologies that promote hate. We will not condone any behavior that impedes our efforts at creating an environment founded on the principles of equity and inclusion.
Our approach to this incident was to immediately protect the students and ensure that they were provided alternate accommodations, start an in-depth investigation to review the thousands of individuals from outside organizations that rented our housing facilities over the summer, and to determine who else had access to the room.
The University of Indianapolis has been in contact with Lindsey Mintz, Executive Director of the Indianapolis Jewish Community Relations Council, to ensure that we are working together to create appropriate responses, and discuss ways to create learning moments for our campus community.
It is our expectation that each member of the University of Indianapolis will continue to share their voice in ways that are respectful, thoughtful, and inclusive. It is important, at this time, that we reaffirm our commitment to our core values of equity, inclusion and respect, and work together to defend them. Collectively, we must maintain the welcoming and respectful community we enjoy as we learn, work and live. We will continue to create many opportunities to share, discuss and learn from each other about topics and issues that relate to equity and inclusion and reflect the rich diversity of our University and our world, and will look to continue education with students, faculty and staff. Every member of this University is a valued individual and there is never a place on our campus for expressions of hate and bigotry. Actions such as these displayed yesterday evening on our campus will not be tolerated by the University of Indianapolis and should not be tolerated anywhere in our nation.
As part of our immediate response, professionals in our University’s counseling center will be available to meet with anyone who has been affected by this incident.
Robert L. Manuel, President
Stephen Kolison, Executive Vice President and Provost
Kory Vitangeli, Vice President and Dean of Students