Hate Incidents on #UMD Campus

Letter from University of Maryland President Wallace Loh

April 4, 2012

Dear University of Maryland community:

Respect, diversity, and inclusion are core values of the University of
Maryland.

Very recently, the University Police were notified of two separate
incidents of bias and hate.  In one, an elevator in an academic building
was vandalized with anti-Semitic messages.  In the other, a Facilities
Management supervisor found a noose in space being renovated.
University Police are actively investigating both cases.

Though hate and bias incidents have declined 85% over the past 9 years
-- from a high of 33 in 2003 to 5 in 2011 -- even one incident is too many.

These incidents are abhorrent.  The University of Maryland does not
tolerate hate or bias in any form.  And, it is the right of all members
of our community to work and live in an environment in which they feel
safe, respected, and included.

Such incidents that impact our collective safety and well-being should
be reported immediately to the appropriate authorities (see contact list
below).  Any person or persons engaged in them will be subject to the
University's disciplinary processes and/or criminal proceedings, as
appropriate.

I would like to thank all of you for your continued dedication to the
values for which we stand.

Sincerely,

Wallace D. Loh
President

Who to contact:
- UMD Police Department, 301-405-3555
- Kumea Shorter-Gooden, Chief Diversity Officer, 301-405-6810
- Resident assistant or resident director of a residence hall
- Counseling Center, 301-314-7651; Faculty-Staff Assistance Program,
301-314-8170