Message Regarding Racist Act

Dear Members of the Lehigh Community,

Late last night, we became aware that a room in one of the university’s residence halls was vandalized. The vandalism not only involved racist language scrawled on a surface in the room, but destruction of personal and university property.

The situation of physically removing the acts of vandalism, replacing windows and locks, and further safeguarding the residents is ongoing. However, such a cowardly, vile and disgusting act leaves a wound that can’t be addressed as easily.

Let us be clear: ALL members of the Lehigh community have a right to feel safe, to feel respected and to feel welcomed. NO individuals have the right or the authority to take it upon themselves to commit acts that threaten or demean anyone. This behavior will not be tolerated and will be met with severe consequences, including prosecution to the fullest extent of the law. The consequences for violating student conduct and university policy on hate speech and vandalism may represent grounds for expulsion from the university and will be treated with the seriousness this despicable behavior warrants.

Over the past several years, we have made significant efforts and investments toward nurturing a community that is positive, productive and welcoming for all. We understand that this work is never done and our concerted efforts must continue. But we view an act like this – or a hateful act against any member of our community – to be an attack on the basic principles we value as an institution. The behaviors involved in this type of criminal behavior, and the sentiment behind them, have no place within the Lehigh community that we have built, nor the Lehigh that we aspire to become.

We thank the community member(s) who reported this and ask anyone with any information about it to contact LUPD at (610) 758-4200 or to email Chief Jason Schiffer directly at jds517@lehigh.edu. The LUPD is actively investigating this crime and welcomes helpful information.

Students who feel that they might need support or guidance during this time could reach out to the following:

• Counseling and Psychological Services (610-758-3880)
• The Chaplain’s Office (610-758-3877 or incha@lehigh.edu)
• The Office of Multicultural Affairs (610-758-5973 or inmca@lehigh.edu)

For more information on available support resources, please visit eocc.lehigh.edu/resources.

Sincerely,
John D. Simon
President

Patrick V. Farrell
Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs