Information on Campus Incident Today

This afternoon, a disruption took place in a Chapman classroom that included racist and homophobic statements, along with inappropriate and disrespectful behavior. While I cannot go into detail on a student matter, I want to be clear that appropriate legal and disciplinary processes are being implemented. We are also taking strong interim action to ensure the safety of the classroom involved as well as campus housing. I also want to extend my deepest apologies to the Black and LGBTQIA communities who were specifically targeted during today’s incident.

This type of behavior is absolutely not tolerated. Together, we must create a safe environment for all students, faculty and staff. Each one of us is equally responsible and accountable for a campus climate that respects our differences and celebrates our diversity.

February is a celebration of Black History Month. During a time used to honor the generations of African Americans who have struggled and sacrificed, I am disgusted that an incident like this took place on our campus. We must be better than this.

We recently received the results of a campus climate survey that further demonstrates that we still have work to do for all members of the Chapman community to feel safe and welcome. I would encourage students to attend the upcoming Dean of Students Community Forum on February 18 to begin working together to make this a place we can all be proud of.