Message from President Ali A. Houshmand: Third suspect identified

Dear Rowan University Community,

Thanks to thorough investigative work by Rowan University Police, the third suspect in the racial incident at Holly Pointe Commons has been identified and banned from campus, along with the other two perpetrators. None are Rowan students. 

As we shared last week, the individual who wrote the racial slur has been charged with harassment and will have his case adjudicated in Glassboro Municipal Court. All three suspects will face legal consequences if caught trespassing on Rowan University property. 

Additionally, the Rowan student who granted access to these visitors will face disciplinary action. 

Once again, we remind students that you are responsible for your guests’ actions. Remember that what they do reflects on you and your university. 

Because we know this incident has troubled many, we remind everyone of the support available from the Wellness Center’s counselors and psychologists. We have many other resources across campus for reporting harassment and threats and finding support, including the Division of Student Life; the Division of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion; and the Office of Social Justice, Inclusion & Conflict Resolution. Please don’t hesitate to use them. 

We thank everyone for your patience throughout this ugly ordeal. Often, we cannot give details during an investigation and cases are not always resolved as quickly as this one. Through it all, we thank you for doing your part to keep Rowan University a safe and welcoming community.         

Every day we see the strength of our community as people from diverse backgrounds and experiences build relationships and make a positive difference in each other’s lives. Sometimes it takes just as much courage to say a kind word as it does to stand up to a threat. No matter the situation, we encourage each person to make that difference and demonstrate the best of what we can be.

Sincerely,

Ali A. Houshmand, Ph.D. 
President

Tony Lowman, Ph.D.
Provost

Kevin S. Koett, Ed.D.
Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students

Monika Williams Shealey, Ph.D.
Senior Vice President, Division of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Michael Kantner
Assistant Vice President for Public Safety & Emergency Management