By La Vie staff writer
***UPDATE***
A student has come forward to claim responsibility for pulling down the Pride flag. President James MacLaren sent an email to students early Wednesday evening with the update. In the email, Pres. MacLaren said, “The individual indicated to me that this was a terrible error in judgment and not one motivated by hate. I am hopeful that the conduct process will be a learning experience and provide restorative justice. The individual recognizes the trauma and distress that has occurred because of their actions, has expressed remorse, and understands that there will be consequences.”
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The Pride flag, displayed on LVC’s Social Quad outside of the Mund College Center, is missing.
President James MacLaren notified students and faculty in an email on Wednesday afternoon about the vandalism. MacLaren said the incident “violates our sense of safety and runs contrary to our values.” He went on to say the action is unacceptable.
Public safety is investigating the incident and will hold accountable anyone who is identified as being involved.
MacLaren said in his email to the campus community: “All students belong at LVC. All faculty and staff belong. LVC must become a safe and welcoming environment for anyone who lives, learns, works, or steps foot on campus or interacts with LVC virtually.”
MacLaren also said the Pride flag will be replaced.
Other information included in the campus email:
The LVC Bias Response and Education Team (BRET) is supporting those who reported the incident and stands ready to support anyone experiencing or witnessing a bias incident.
- To seek support from BRET, contact Dr. Felicia Brown-Haywood, vice president of diversity, equity, and inclusive excellence at bhaywood@lvc.edu, or any of the BRET team members listed on the web page linked above.
- Annesha Edwards-Carter (aedwards@lvc.ed), director of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging and Gio Negron-Garcia (negron@lvc.edi), associate director of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are also available to provide support.
- Students needing Counseling Services can schedule an appointment via the Request for Appointment form or by calling 717-867-6232. Drop-in times are available every weekday 11 a.m.–noon at Bishop Library, second floor.
- Andrea Haldeman, chaplain and coordinator of spiritual life, can be reached at haldeman@lvc.edu.
Students can report a bias incident in any of the following ways:
- Call the confidential and anonymous Campus Conduct Hotline at 866-943-5787
- Submit a bias incident report form
- Contact Public Safety at x6111 or 717-867-6111