Feb. 6, 2026

The ASU System Office and Arkansas State University have released statements regarding today’s student demonstration over recently reported incidents of inappropriate and hateful language on campus.

ASU System Office Statement 
The Arkansas State University System takes allegations of racism and discrimination seriously across all its campuses. The responsibility for conducting Title IX and institutional integrity investigations rests with the ASU System Office, not with individual campus leadership.

As an external investigator, we take that responsibility seriously and remain committed to maintaining processes that protect students, uphold accountability, and foster learning environments where every individual is treated with dignity and respect.

Last week, a complaint involving the use of a racial slur was reported at Arkansas State University. Following ASU System practice, the concerns were reviewed and investigated by the Office of the General Counsel and the Title IX Office, which reports to the ASU System Office, to provide external reviews of the complaints.

Consistent with applicable law and following the investigation, corrective actions were taken.

Arkansas State University campus leadership was not involved in conducting the investigation, participating in the decision-making process, or contacting the reporting party.

Racial slurs are unacceptable, and we remain committed to supporting those affected and to continuing our efforts to promote respect and belonging across our campuses.

Arkansas State University
Today, students at Arkansas State University exercised their right to use their voices to raise awareness surrounding incidents that occurred last week involving inappropriate, unacceptable, and hateful language.

The incidents were investigated externally by ASU System General Counsel and by the ASU System Office of Institutional Integrity & Title IX. A-State leadership was not involved in the investigation, the decisions resulting from the investigation, or the communications to the individual who submitted the complaints. A-State leadership was informed of the findings, the decisions, and communications after these had already taken place. 

Federal law limits public statements about specific individuals, findings and outcomes. 

Engagement, advocacy and peaceful expression are an important part of campus life, and students at A-State are encouraged to speak out about issues they care deeply about. Hate speech and discrimination are not aligned with our values and have no place at Arkansas State University.

When students do not feel safe, supported, or feel that they do not belong, they cannot be expected to learn, trust or thrive. The university remains committed to fostering a campus community where every individual is respected, supported, heard, and we continue to work intentionally to uphold these standards.

As always, the safety of our campus community remains our top priority. Today’s demonstration was student-led, peaceful and reflects the respectful exchange of ideas central to the mission of a public university and to the campus community we continue to build together.

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