As many of you know, last night there was a hateful and offensive message posted on social media in response to a performance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” known as the Black national anthem, before the men’s basketball game.
As your president, I wanted to share some of my thoughts and feelings on the incident in this short video message.
I want to be very clear: the content of that social media post is wrong. It does not reflect who we are or the community that we want to be.
In response to this post and to the concerns raised by our students and employees, the university’s Bias and Hate Response Team has been engaged since last night. We are following the protocols we have in place to address incidents of bias and hate while respecting the Constitutional guarantee of free speech.
I know that many of you are feeling great pain, grief, and anger.
Please know that we are here for you. If you need to talk with someone, please reach out to the Social Equity and Title IX office. You can contact the team by email at title-ix@iup.edu or by phone at 724-357-3402. The IUP Counseling Center is also prepared to help you (counseling-center@iup.edu, 724-357-2621). The Center for Multicultural Student Leadership and Engagement (MSCLE) in Elkin Hall is a place where you can find resources and gather for informal conversation.
Already I have seen an incredible outpouring of care and support for one another, reflecting the character of the IUP family that I know and love. Thank you.