Statement from President Schatzel on violence in Charlottesville

I know you all join me in sharing our deepest condolences and prayers with those communities and all those affected by this reprehensible violence.

By Towson University on August 13, 2017

Dear Towson University Community:

In the past 48 hours, acts of great violence and terror have taken place in Charlottesville and on the University of Virginia campus. I know you all join me in sharing our deepest condolences and prayers with those communities and all those affected by this reprehensible violence, especially those who have suffered the death or injury of a loved one.

We all saw the images of the abhorrent racist and anti-Semitic hatred by white nationalist groups that took place this past weekend. As a university community, we remain resolute together and condemn any and all forms of hatred, racism, bigotry or supremacist ideology that seek to hurt, terrorize, bully or marginalize any members of our community. As hallmarks of our democracy, the U.S. Constitution protects and guarantees our rights to free speech and assembly; however, no one should ever feel threatened for their safety or well-being as a result of such expression.

As the president of this great university, I reaffirmin the strongest possible termsthat our university remains committed to the relentless pursuit of a diverse, inclusive and welcoming campus for every member of the Towson University community.

I am wholly confident in TU's unwavering commitment to support all members of our communityfaculty, staff and students—to thrive and reach their fullest potential inclusive of all races, ethnicities, religions, gender identities, sexual orientations and levels of able-ness. 

In the wake of the terror and violence of this past weekend, it is up to all of us to lead and model civility and respect in our conversations, interactions and relationships with each other. We work actively against hate and bias, and every member of our community is encouraged to immediately report it using our Hate Crimes and Bias Incidents process.

As a community, we must come together to support and care for each other and not forget that each of us is empowered to make a difference and stand against hatred, intolerance, violence and bigotry each and every day.   

Kim Schatzel
President