Message from the provost

Feb. 5, 2004

To the Campus Community:

This week, the campus community has had two incidents that have caused significant concern for many of us. The first was an offensive graffiti message spray-painted on a kiosk, and the second is the appearance of fliers about the Ku Klux Klan outside a university residence hall and classroom building, both on the Belknap campus. I write to provide you with information about the steps we are taking in both of these cases.

The graffiti vandalism was reported to the Department of Public Safety Monday afternoon and immediately covered by the university's physical plant staff. DPS continues to investigate, although there are no known witnesses. Individuals with information about this incident should call DPS at 852-6111 immediately.

Yesterday, KKK-related fliers were found on the ground near a bicycle rack outside of a residence hall and on the ground outside of an academic building. Although the material is not necessarily illegal, it has created legitimate concerns among our students and others given the history and nature of this organization. Because of these concerns, we ask anyone who finds additional material to notify DPS.

Our goal at U of L is to work together to create a climate where all students, faculty and staff feel welcome and supported. These incidents do not support that goal, and we will continue to fully investigate them and take appropriate action based upon the facts of each case. We will update information as it becomes available at www.louisville.edu/update.

We also want to inform the campus that we have increased DPS patrols and are encouraging any student, faculty or staff member who is concerned about safety to request a campus escort by calling 852-6111. Escorts are available around the clock, seven days a week.

Any student who has concerns of any kind may also contact a residence hall director; the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs at 852-6933; the Office of the Vice Provost for Diversity at 852-6153; or the Office of the Provost at 852-6160.

In addition, we will be scheduling a forum for students, faculty and staff to express their concerns and share their ideas as we work together to improve the campus climate for everyone at the university. We will share the time and location as soon as we have it scheduled. Meanwhile, we welcome your assistance as we work together to address these issues.

Sincerely,

Shirley Willihnganz
Acting Executive Vice President and University Provost