| Messages
To the Northeastern Community: I know there have been questions and concerns about the “distressing incident” that I referenced in a communication to our community last week. I was intentionally unspecific about details of the incident in deference to the wishes of the faculty member involved. Yesterday, that faculty member, Professor Leonard Brown, brought the matter to the Faculty Senate and discussed it in that forum. I commend Professor Brown for his courageous decision to use this disturbing incident to raise awareness of racism on our campus and beyond, and to stimulate dialogue among us about this singularly important issue. Some facts about the incident: last month Professor Brown received a vile, hateful anonymous voice mail message on his university telephone. An investigation commenced immediately and continues. Our investigation into the incident continues, and we will take action against any individuals found responsible to the full extent of the law and university policy. As I said in my earlier communication, Northeastern is at its best when each member of our community feels welcomed. However, we do ourselves a disservice if we do not forcefully address hateful incidents such as that which happened to Professor Brown. As Leonard challenged us in his statement to the Faculty Senate: “It is my hope that we, the Northeastern University community, will become proactive and diligently strive to become the anti-racism and anti-discrimination leader in higher education.” Let us all take up Leonard’s challenge, and strive to be the national and international leader in fighting racism and celebrating diversity. The race relations conference we are hosting this week is a good place to start, but it is only beginning and we must build on the momentum it provides. | |