Joint Statement By Chancellor Phil DiStefano, Boulder Faculty Assembly, Boulder Staff Council, University Of Colorado Student Union
March 2, 2005

We are deeply concerned about recent reports of racist incidents on or near the Boulder campus. These incidents range from racist graffiti in residence halls to an altercation in a classroom involving racist epithets. We understand that some African American students recently visiting Boulder for a national conference reported experiencing acts of discrimination in the community.

We want to emphasize that the university will not tolerate unacceptable or illegal behavior and will take action to address these incidents. Investigations have been launched in all cases of reported incidents. We have been working to gather all relevant information in order to take appropriate action.

At CU-Boulder, we embrace the value of diversity and find acts of hatred and discrimination to be abhorrent - whether related to race, gender, sexual orientation, religion or any other context. We are especially concerned about the victims of such incidents and want them to know that support resources are available to them. And we want them to know we will pursue any perpetrators of racist acts. We urge anyone who may have information regarding these incidents to immediately contact the University of Colorado Police Department, the Boulder Police Department or the Office of Student Affairs.

Note to Editors:

A wide array of campus resources is available to victims of discrimination and intolerance, including:

Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs (303) 492-8476
Office of Diversity and Equity (303) 735-1332
Office of Victim Assistance (303) 492-8855
Counseling and Psychological Services: A Multicultural Center (303) 492-6766
Center for Multicultural Affairs (303) 492-5667
Women's Resource Center (303) 492-5713
Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Resource Center (303) 492-1377
Disability Services (303) 492-8671
Ombuds Office (303) 492-5077
Department of Equal Opportunity (303) 492-6038
Staff Ombuds Office (303) 492-5077
Faculty Ombuds Office (303) 492-1574
Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (303) 492-3020

Contact: Pauline Hale, CU-Boulder spokesperson, (303) 735-6183.

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