Published November 22, 2019
Dear University Community,
This afternoon, University Police responded to a report of anti-Semitic, racist, and homophobic graffiti found on a Knox Hall bathroom stall. I want to state in the most unambiguous terms, racism and hatred will not be tolerated in our university.
Acts spurred by bigotry, racism and hatred will always be responded to swiftly at UB to protect the safety and well-being of our entire university community. As soon as this abhorrent act was reported, our University Police responded and our University Facilities immediately worked to remove this hateful graffiti. Our University Police are actively investigating this incident and the New York State Police Hate Crimes Task Force has offered their assistance in this investigation.
As I have consistently stated and I will state again, UB is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive and safe environment for our students, faculty, staff, alumni and other campus visitors. It is who we are at UB; it is how we identify as a university community. At UB, our educational environment must be defined by respect, acceptance, and inclusion of all members of our university community.
I believe that this deplorable act is not indicative of who we are as a university community. And, this appears to be an isolated incident. Regardless, together we must seek to cultivate and nurture an environment where racism, intolerance and hatred are rendered extinct.
Satish K. Tripathi
President
