Working together to create change

Earlier this week, the Philadelphia Inquirer published a story about the racial harassment incident that occurred at Holly Pointe Commons in September. The article provides links to the police report and video surveillance of a visitor defacing a student’s residence hall door with abhorrent racist language. As you may recall, we shared several updates on the investigation with the University community.

This incident was ugly and unacceptable by any standard. 

Guidance from State Attorney General

Although the three males involved in the incident were not students, Rowan Police quickly identified them with the help of Rowan students. After a thorough investigation, it became apparent that the assailants did not know the identity, let alone the race, of the student whose door they defaced. There was a dry-erase board with a marker, which the assailants saw as an opportunity.

Because the perpetrators didn’t know the student or her race, police could not charge them with a felony hate crime, but rather charged the individual with the lesser harassment charge. An Anti-Bias Unit officer from the State Attorney General’s Office counseled Rowan on the case and came to the same conclusion before charges were filed. The Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office chose not to take additional action after its own review of the case.

Limits of the law

Everyone should be angry and frustrated by the incident, even as we, as a university, make certain that those who break the law are held accountable. In this situation, charging the main perpetrator with harassment rather than the higher offense of a bias crime is consistent with the evidence and the law. Charging an individual for a higher offense without substantial evidence to support it is a dangerous practice, no matter how offensive the language is or actions are. Filing charges that aren’t supported by evidence could lead to the outright dismissal of the charges or an inability to achieve conviction—an even greater injustice to our community.  

We understand these decisions have caused a great deal of anger and frustration among members of our community. We share that frustration. 

Broader concerns

This incident, while perpetrated by non-students, understandably led to our students again raising the issue of racial inequality at Rowan. Rowan’s Black Student Union and NAACP hosted a town hall meeting to encourage students to share their experiences and raise their concerns before the student leaders,  administrators and staff who attended. 

Additionally, we have learned that the Student Government Association (SGA) met with representatives from the Black Student Union and the NAACP and expressed their commitment to stand with their fellow students in advocating for racial equity.  Today, University administrators met with Black Student Union and NAACP leaders to continue an ongoing conversation about their concerns. Continued dialogue is critically important. It leads to a better understanding of progress made and problems that still exist. 

Consequences for one’s actions

A question that is raised often is “what happens to Rowan students and employees found to engage in hate speech or worse?”

Between January 21 and October 1, students filed 51 complaints of harassment and/or discrimination for a wide range of issues, including: race/ethnicity, sexual identity, gender identity, and religion. The Dean of Students Office oversees the review of every complaint and takes action whenever possible.  Sometimes the actions are evident to the group/individuals involved, but other times they are not because federal privacy laws prohibit the University from discussing disciplinary actions publicly–even with the victims. 

We understand that not knowing the outcome of individual cases is frustrating. But we assure you that we are steadfast in our commitment to addressing these issues within our own community and holding members of our community accountable for their actions.

The question is what’s next? 

Rowan University administrators stand in solidarity with Black students in their concerns around their physical and emotional safety as a result of what they believe is a pattern of bias, harassment and discrimination.

We will continue to listen and work closely with the Black Student Union, NAACP and other student organizations to further develop action items. We encourage all students to join the ongoing effort by the Division of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and the Office of the Dean of Students to help lead that change at Rowan and beyond. 

Real, sustained change is hard work and we appreciate those who have already stepped forward to raise their concerns. It will take all of us working together in every part of our lives to end racism and hate.   

Sincerely,

September 12

No room for discriminatory or illegal hate speech

September 13 

Message from President Ali A. Houshmand: An update on an ugly act of racism

September 15

Message from President Ali A. Houshmand: Actions have consequences

September 20

Message from President Ali A. Houshmand: Third suspect identified