University investigating racist emails

The Department of Public Safety is investigating the delivery of two distinct racist email messages that were sent to an undetermined number of students and faculty over the weekend. Other universities are reporting similar incidents.

Aided by the Office of Information Technology, Public Safety investigators are working to determine who sent the emails, which appear to have been sent from servers outside the campus.

"The University deplores these revolting messages, which are contrary to our values and our code of conduct," said Michele Minter, vice provost for institutional equity and inclusion. "We will not allow these hateful actions to undermine our commitment to creating an inclusive and harassment-free community on campus."  

Anyone with knowledge of the distribution of the messages is asked to contact the Department of Public Safety at (609) 258-1000. 

Anyone receiving such messages is asked to contact either Public Safety; Debbie Bazarsky, manager of diversity and inclusion in the Office of Human Resources at (609) 258-9460; Cheri Burgess, director of institutional equity at (609) 258-8504; or the University Hotline at (866) 478-9804.

Individuals are encouraged to exercise care in opening emails and attachments from unknown sources.

Incidents of bias, bigotry and hatred are hurtful and can cause stress to members of the community, Minter said. She noted that confidential counseling is available through Counseling and Psychological Services, the Carebridge program and the Office of Religious Life.