May 13, 2015

Dear Member of the Drexel Community,

The diversity of our community plays a significant role in the success of Drexel University and its students, faculty and professional staff. One of the core principles upon which our University was founded is the commitment to provide a welcoming, inclusive and respectful environment. Such an environment helps strengthen our competencies to live and work in a diverse and global society.

Last evening I was deeply distressed to learn of an incident that occurred in one of our residence halls, in which a student was targeted on the basis of religion with the posting of a hate symbol. Whether this malicious act was a hate crime or just blatant ignorance, it is unacceptable and incompatible with the ethos of our University.

Upon learning of the incident, Drexel University Police immediately began an investigation, and the Office of Equality and Diversity has reached out to the victim and victim’s family to offer every resource we have to ensure this student is well supported and safe.

Drexel has a zero tolerance policy toward harassment of any kind. While we continue to find ways to strengthen the core value of inclusion, I encourage all members of our campus community to do their part to support diversity of all kinds and foster respect for others. In doing so, we will ensure that Drexel is a community that seeks the best from all of us.

Sincerely,