Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,
I want to update you on an incident this week involving a picture that was posted and reposted on social media. The image showed a racially offensive sign affixed over a drinking fountain situated in Holshouser Hall. Staff members from across the campus mobilized to investigate the incident. Organizations and external media outlets took notice of our campus communications and updates.
Last night, a student resident of Holshouser came forward to Housing and Residence Life staff to take responsibility for the sign, the photograph, and the initial post of the image on Snapchat. In a written message, the student said that “[t]here was no intention to hurt anyone or insinuate that UNC Charlotte represented or approved of racist beliefs, nor do I believe in them. I do not support or encourage any racist agendas... I am deeply sorry for all that came out of this.” The student also indicated that his actions were a poor attempt at humor. There is nothing humorous about what he did. Let me be very clear that intolerance and bigotry have no place within the inclusive culture we strive to achieve at UNC Charlotte.
Since this incident came to light on Wednesday night, there has been a considerable response from within our University community and beyond. I have heard from and spoken with many students, faculty, and staff members. I regret that any member of our community was upset or fearful as a result of the insensitivity of another.
University officials will meet with the individual who has taken responsibility to review the incident under the Student Code of Responsibility and discuss how his actions have affected members of our community. Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Kevin Bailey and I will continue to work with our Student Government Association to advance important dialogue like the conversation in which I participated last evening with the SGA.
Sincerely,
Philip L. Dubois
Chancellor