Dear Members of the Campus Community:
This morning we were alerted to hateful and threatening graffiti at College Terrace on campus. University Police are thoroughly investigating this incident and Facilities Management has worked diligently today to remove all the graffiti. Those found responsible will face severe consequences that could include removal, arrest and prosecution. Anyone with information about this incident is invited to contact the UPD Anonymous Tip Line at (845) 257-2230.
As we have communicated repeatedly, discrimination on the basis of race, color, and national origin, including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics, has no place on our campus or in our community. We will always condemn and take appropriate action against individuals who engage in acts of hatred, bigotry, racism, intolerance and violence. There is no place for anti-Semitism, Islamophobia or hate of any kind on our campus.
We are aware of events taking place today on and off campus that touch on issues related to the Israel-Hamas conflict. We have a collective responsibility to ensure that every student at SUNY New Paltz has the right to study and learn in an environment that is free from harassment and discrimination. Resources are available to members of our community who would like support in the wake of this incident. Allegations of harassment and discrimination should be reported through our Bias Response Reporting process. Additional support is available via our Psychological Counseling Center.
A public university campus must provide a home and a forum for all comers to safely learn, grow, work, engage in civil discourse, encounter new and unfamiliar perspectives, and feel part of something bigger than themselves. Acts and expressions of hatred are existential threats to our ability to fulfill this vision. This cannot be – this must not be – who this campus is.
Darrell P. Wheeler
President
William McClure
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Michele Halstead
Vice President for Administration & Finance
Kathleen Lieblich
Interim Vice President for Student Affairs
Erica Marks
Vice President for Development & Alumni Relations
Tanhena Pacheco Dunn
Vice President for Human Resources, Diversity & Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer
Stella Turk
Vice President for Enrollment Management
Shelly Wright
Vice President for Communication
