Dear Vanderbilt community,
In recent days, questions and concerns have been raised related to social media comments made by a member of the football team’s coaching staff. You can find a statement on the matter from Athletic Director Candice Lee and Head Football Coach Clark Lea, as well as an apology from Coach Dan Jackson, here.
While individual views expressed by faculty, staff or students do not represent the university, we are concerned by the allegations. Vanderbilt has a thorough process for addressing reports of discrimination through Equal Opportunity and Access, and that review is underway. As the athletic department announced earlier today, Coach Jackson has agreed to step back from his responsibilities as this process unfolds.
Vanderbilt rejects and condemns antisemitism, racism and discrimination in all its forms. Any act of harassment, hatred or violence—whether through action or language, in person or online—stands in direct opposition to Vanderbilt’s values of equity, diversity and inclusion and will not be tolerated.
These incidents should serve as a reminder that we are a community dedicated to treating one another with civility and respect. We do this while serving as a catalyst for constructive and meaningful dialogue that can lead to progress on challenging issues. We will continue to identify opportunities to learn and grow together as a community going forward.
For any students, faculty or staff members who need support processing recent events, we hope you will draw on the university resources listed below.
Sincerely,
Daniel Diermeier
Chancellor
C. Cybele Raver
Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
André Churchwell
Vice Chancellor for Outreach, Inclusion and Belonging and Chief Diversity Officer
Resources:
University Counseling Center, call 615-322-2571 to speak with an on-call behavioral health provider
Student Care Coordination, schedule an appointment online or call 615-343-WELL (9355)
Center for Student Wellbeing, call 615-322-0480 to schedule an appointment
Bishop Joseph Johnson Black Cultural Center, call 615-322-2524
Student Center for Social Justice and Identity, call 615-343-5392
Center for Spiritual and Religious Life, call 615-322-2457
Vanderbilt Hillel, call 615-322-8376
Chabad of Vanderbilt, call 615-686-3905