To the University of Dayton Community,

As a Catholic and Marianist university, the University of Dayton is committed to the dignity of the person and to building a diverse educational community. Yet, the campus is experiencing incidents of behavior that are disrespectful, unacceptable and disregard our commitment to diversity.

Over the past week, I have learned of acts of bias and intolerance. Some students have reported incidents that include a racist flyer in a residence hall, graffiti in academic buildings and other acts of gender and racial intimidation. I am deeply troubled that such acts have occurred on our campus.

I want to clearly state that the University of Dayton will not tolerate any acts of bias or discrimination targeted toward anyone based on gender and race, as well as other potential issues regarding religion, ethnicity, age or sexual orientation. I encourage you to immediately report any harassment or intimidation to the Office of Public Safety at 229-2121, Office of Human Resources at 229-2541 or the Office of Student Development at 229-3311.

I have asked Dr. William Schuerman, Vice President for Student Development and Dean of Students, to establish a Web site where you can anonymously report incidents. Any incident will be addressed immediately and investigated within 24 hours of the report. Staff members of the President's and Rector's offices also will be available to meet with anyone who wishes to report an incident. In addition, any offensive graffiti will be immediately removed, reported and tracked by University officials. The well-being of all is our primary concern.

Although the University of Dayton has adopted a statement on dignity that calls for respect for all people, I have asked the President's Council to work with the University's Committee on Diversity in Community to develop a more formal bias-related incident and antidiscrimination policy. We are also working with the National Conference for Community and Justice and other organizations to provide education, dialogue, and strategies about reducing discrimination and promoting understanding and respect.

The majority of our students respect one another and ascribe to our Catholic and Marianist values and traditions. I am asking all of us--faculty, staff and students--to challenge unacceptable behavior. It is our collective responsibility to assure that all students, faculty and staff know they are welcome on our campus. We will act to prevent and promptly respond to harassment, bias and intolerance. Together, we will seek ways to openly discuss the root causes of these acts. We must talk and listen carefully. We must come together as a community and commit to live together peacefully--with difference and with respect. To make an impact, we must all work together toward the same goals. We can be, and will be, a model for others as a place where dignity and civility are valued. That's part of our Catholic, Marianist tradition. It's part of the philosophy that guides our educational mission. I ask for your help in maintaining a welcoming campus community.

Sincerely,

Daniel J. Curran, Ph.D.
President