The president of Western Kentucky University is denouncing what he calls a pair of “cowardly” and “heinous” acts involving hate speech against African-Americans.
An assistant dean recently reported finding three typed notes in her office that contained racist threats. A student last month had a racist slur carved into her carfollowing a dispute over a campus parking space.
WKU President Gary Ransdell denounced the acts in an email to faculty, staff, and students Monday.
Read President Ransdell's Message Here
He said the two incidents are not reflective of the majority of students and employees at the school.
“In the weeks and months ahead I want to encourage all of us to participate in opportunities to discuss issues of intolerance and the racial tensions that are erupting around us and seek ways to make a positive difference here on our campus,” Ransdell said in his email. “I’m calling on faculty, staff, and student leaders to engage in a concerted effort to elevate the awareness and understanding of these issues. Preparations are underway to host such dialogues and will be announced in due course. I also welcome your individual suggestions as to ways we can best demonstrate that WKU is indeed a place that welcomes and embraces all individuals no matter their background or individual preferences.”
WKU Chief Diversity Office Lynne Holland says she’s spoken to the assistant dean and student who were targeted by the racist language.
She says both want to continue their important pursuits on campus.
“In the sense that, ‘I have a job to do’, in the case of the assistant dean. In the case of the student, ‘I have a job to do, as well. I’m here to get my degree. I’m not going to let this incident or these incidences deter me from my direction.’”
Holland says she hopes those who aren’t familiar with WKU don’t reach the conclusion that the school is an unwelcoming environment for racial and ethnic minorities. She says it’s important for the school to get the word out that it’s a place that embraces inclusivity.
“What is the campus truly like, in spite of these things that have happened—that we’re far bigger, far better than just these two things.”
