UND President Kennedy's statement on racially-charged photos

I am appalled that within 48 hours two photos with racially-charged messages have been posted on social media and associated with the UND campus community.  It is abundantly clear that we have much work to do at the University of North Dakota in educating our students, and the entire University community on issues related to diversity, inclusion, and respect for others.

The UND Police Department and the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities are going through their processes in investigating these two incidences.  We are moving as fast as we can.  I understand that we all would like a swift resolution.  However, our society, our legal system, and campus conduct processes are predicated on due process.  We must maintain the integrity of our policies and procedures by following due process.

I have been disappointed to learn that we have people in our university community who don’t know that the kind of behavior and messaging demonstrated in these two photos is not ok, and that, in fact, it is inexcusable.

Our mission is educational in nature.  Our student conduct process is educational in nature.  This is our opportunity to provide an education to all members of our campus community, especially those who may not understand the gravity of their actions.  Based upon my conversations with students and others, I can assure you that the messages of the two photos are painful to many individuals.

I have heard from many within our campus community, as well as alums and individuals not directly connected to the University, who are encouraging us to use this situation as an opportunity to address what some see as long standing issues within our community and across the country.

We must demand better of ourselves and our university community.  I am directing my team to explore best practices for diversity education amongst premier institutions and will work collaboratively with the AVP for Diversity and Inclusion and University Senate to bring it to reality at UND.

As I have said before, we value diversity and inclusion and take seriously respect for others as well as the exchange of different thoughts and ideas. To achieve the vision of One UND, we must take steps to demonstrate these values across our university community.

Mark Kennedy
President

 

Contact:
Peter B. Johnson
Interim Vice President for University & Public Affairs
Media Relations Coordinator/Community Relations Officer
Division of University & Public Affairs
264 Centennial Drive Stop 7144
Grand Forks, ND 58202-7144

701.777.4317 | 701.740.5398 cell | 701.777.4616 fax
peter.johnson@UND.edu
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