The University is aware of the incidents described in a letter to The Observer last week. In fact, an investigation regarding the appearance of racially derogatory graffiti has been completed. The Notre Dame Police Department (NDPD) quickly identified four out-of-state high school students as the responsible parties. It also charged them with trespassing, barring them permanently from campus. We have also flagged the incident with enrollment officials in the event any of the four seek admission to Notre Dame. The investigation into the use of a racial epithet and another biased slur being directed at a student remains open. The University urges anyone with information to come forward to NDPD or the Office of Community Standards.
In addressing principles that guide Notre Dame as a Catholic University, Father Jenkins has reminded us that Notre Dame is “committed to respecting the dignity and worth of every human person, from conception to natural death, regardless of national or ethnic group, religious tradition, gender, race, socio-economic class, immigration status, sexual orientation or anything else.”
Racial epithets and other biased slurs are an anathema, especially at Notre Dame, where every individual is valued and where we strive to make all feel welcome.
Paul J. Browne
vice president, public affairs and communications
Dec. 9
The views expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Observer.
