Message from President Ali A. Houshmand: Actions have consequences

Dear Rowan University Community,

A Rowan University police investigation into last week’s racial incident in Holly Pointe Commons has resulted in the identification of two male suspects and information about a third who were in the residence hall visiting a Rowan student. None of the suspects involved are Rowan students. Security cameras proved invaluable to the investigation.  

The investigation was a collaboration between Rowan University Police and the New Jersey Office of Attorney General Bias Crime Unit. The joint investigation resulted in a charge against the individual who wrote the racial slur. 

The individual charged will have his case adjudicated in Glassboro Municipal Court. Both identified individuals have been banned from campus, and action will be taken against the third when identified. 

Additionally, the Rowan student who granted access to these visitors also will be held accountable. 

While this attack may have seemed trivial to the perpetrators involved, such serious actions can have long-term consequences on people’s lives. 

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. 

This reprehensible incident should serve as a reminder that students are responsible for their guests and for each other. We are committed to Rowan being a place where students feel comfortable, a home away from home. Be mindful of your guests’ actions and be cautious about opening doors to your residence hall for people you don’t know. Remember that what they do reflects on you and your community. 

We thank the University community for its patience and concern. These investigations are always complicated and we are not always able to share as much information as we would like. While we understand it can be frustrating not to know details, it’s important to know we are working hard behind the scenes to enforce our policies and properly pursue investigations in order to maintain a safe and welcoming University.

We take our responsibility personally. We thank you for doing the same.    

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