Intolerant Language Does Not Reflect Our Values

Dear Campus Community:
I write today to address the concerns and complaints that I’ve heard from many students, faculty and staff about the speakers who used our Free Speech Platform earlier this week.

The Fresno State campus is a free speech zone and these speakers were within their rights. We support the rights of individuals to express their opinions.

But let me be clear on this: The intolerant language and disrespectful tone of their speech do not reflect the values of inclusion, respect and civility that we encourage and model on this campus.

I reiterate our published commitment to a diverse and inclusive campus:

    “We are dedicated to reducing any barriers to success that come from race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, culture, religion, sex, national origin, color, linguistic diversity, ability, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, geographical region, personality, learning styles, life experiences and other human characteristics.”

Whatever your opinion on the speakers, I hope you will remain respectful to all individuals who present their opinions at Fresno State.

I urge you to consider participating in the President's Commission on Human Relations and Equity's Conversations on Inclusion, Respect and Equity.

Thank you for boldly modeling civil, respectful and inclusive dialogue at Fresno State!

Sincerely,
Joseph I. Castro, Ph.D., M.P.P.
President