La Vie has published the letters from Pres. Thayne and from Laura Schmidt:
Dear LVC Community,
Earlier today, the Division of Student Affairs received a report of racially derogatory language on the exterior of the Women’s Services and Gender Resource Center, which also serves as student housing.
Such language is unacceptable on our campus and violates Lebanon Valley College’s policies on conduct and expression. The graffiti has been removed, we have involved the Annville Police Department, and an investigation is underway. (If you know of anything related to this incident, please contact Public Safety at 717-867-6111.)
We are offering support to the residents and any member of the community affected by the situation. (If you need support during this time, please contact Student Affairs at 717-867-6233 or the Counseling Center at 717-867-6232.)
As a college, Lebanon Valley is dedicated to inclusion, open dialogue, civility, and respect. We will continue our work to foster a strong campus community.
Lewis E. Thayne, Ph.D.
President
Lebanon Valley College
To our fellow classmates, professors, and LVC community members,
We are frustrated and saddened by the recent acts of hate and racism on our campus. It is time for us as an LVC Community to take a positive stand and create change. Just as we stood as one on our March to Kreiderheim, we need to stand together again against these discriminatory acts. This incident has not been the first on our campus. It seems that every year there has been some serious forms of discrimination whether through social media, verbal exchanges, actions, or inaction. Discrimination will not be tolerated on our campus.
We will not blame, target, victimize, or belittle any individual or group of students on campus, but rather we will empower those who want to promote inclusivity and acceptance. We will create an inclusive atmosphere on campus. It is disheartening to hear that students feel unsafe at a place that they call home. No one should feel that way at LVC.
We are starting a social media campaign using #LVC4Change as a way to spread positive messages across campus. Please feel free to share and add your affirming thoughts and feelings.
It is important to note that social media is just the beginning. We challenge you to put your posts into action. Engage in dialogue, reach out to those in need, and stand up for those who are victimized. If you don’t know where to begin, you can start with joining us as we stand with the Women and Gender Resource Center in a WALK OUT on Wednesday, November 16 at 12:00 PM (noon). If you have class, walk out of class; if you are eating lunch, walk out of lunch; if you are studying, take a break and walk out. We will meet in front of Mund at 12:00 PM on Wednesday. Wear all black to show your support and solidarity with your peers as we take a stand against discrimination. We are stronger as an entire campus than we are as a small group. Just as we marched in celebration of beating Albright, we will march in an effort to conquer hate. Together we can create change.
Ready for change,
Lebanon Valley College Student Government
Laura Schmidt
Lebanon Valley College ’17
Physical Therapy Major/Sociology cognate