(Nov. 21, 2017) -- My fellow Roadrunners,
Like many of you, I was shocked and angry to hear about the unauthorized banner that was displayed last week from our University Center bridge.
At this time, we have no reason to believe that UTSA students were involved in this incident, and our police department is continuing their active investigation. Unfortunately, it is estimated that similar incidents have occurred at approximately 150 university and college campuses in more than 30 states over the past year. In most cases, these offensive acts are carried out in the middle of the night by individuals unaffiliated with the university community.
Our diverse community at UTSA includes a spectrum of political and ideological views, and providing an environment for free speech—civil discourse and freedom of expression—is a principle we must uphold.
That said, I want to make the following absolutely clear:
Groups that champion intolerance, bigotry and hatred are not welcome on this campus.
The notions perpetuated by hate groups are completely antithetical to my values. Personally and professionally, I oppose everything they represent. We must fight together to uphold UTSA’s core values of integrity, inclusion and respect – especially when a group outside our community is working so hard to divide us.
I was proud to see that, over the last few days, students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends of the university—from across the ideological continuum—have loudly and unequivocally lifted their voices to say that white supremacy does not belong on our campus. They have affirmed that UTSA is a campus built on diversity, inclusion, respect and tolerance.
Please know we take these incidents seriously, and that the security and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff are our top priority. We will continue to investigate this incident, and to ensure that security measures are in place to keep our community safe. In addition to keeping you informed, I will continue advocate for our institutional core values.
At the same time, we must be mindful of the fact that hate groups are looking to provoke and divide us, all while drawing attention to themselves. We won’t let them win. The Roadrunner Nation is strong, and all members of our familia have the right to learn, work and discover in an inclusive environment where equity is paramount.
We will not let hate define this learning community. Let’s stand strong together.
#UTSAUnited
Connect with UTSA online at Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram and LinkedIn.
UTSA Today is produced by University Communications and Marketing, the official news source of The University of Texas at San Antonio. Send your feedback to news@utsa.edu. Keep up-to-date on UTSA news by visiting UTSA Today. Connect with UTSA online at Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and Instagram.
There are many citation managers. Which one is right for you? This workshop will explain what a citation manager is and how it can help you organize your citations, insert citations as you write your paper, and generate your bibliography.
Virtual Event (Zoom)There are many citation managers. Which one is right for you? This workshop will explain what a citation manager is and how it can help you organize your citations, insert citations as you write your paper, and generate your bibliography.
Virtual Event (Zoom)During this workshop, participants will discuss this pervasive problem in academic publishing and how to spot the red flags through real-life examples.
Virtual (Zoom)In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn to setup an EndNote library, save references and PDFs, and automatically create and edit a bibliography. Attendees are encouraged, but not required, to have EndNote already installed on a personal computer.
Virtual Event (Zoom)This workshop will allow people to learn about the Creative Commons program such as its history and the role of copyright law in the creation of Creative Commons.
Virtual (Zoom)Join us for Coffee with Vets, a casual social event where veterans can come together, connect, and share camaraderie over a cup of coffee. This is a perfect opportunity to unwind, meet fellow veterans, and build community in a welcoming and relaxed environment.
Veteran Lounge (JPL 4.03.04,) John Peace Library, Main CampusStop by to ask questions or learn about how you can become involved in Wellbeing Services events and programs.
Window Lounge (SU1.02.00C,) Student Union, Main CampusThe University of Texas at San Antonio is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through research and discovery, teaching and learning, community engagement and public service. As an institution of access and excellence, UTSA embraces multicultural traditions and serves as a center for intellectual and creative resources as well as a catalyst for socioeconomic development and the commercialization of intellectual property - for Texas, the nation and the world.
To be a premier public research university, providing access to educational excellence and preparing citizen leaders for the global environment.
We encourage an environment of dialogue and discovery, where integrity, excellence, inclusiveness, respect, collaboration and innovation are fostered.
UTSA is a proud Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) as designated by the U.S. Department of Education .
The University of Texas at San Antonio, a Hispanic Serving Institution situated in a global city that has been a crossroads of peoples and cultures for centuries, values diversity and inclusion in all aspects of university life. As an institution expressly founded to advance the education of Mexican Americans and other underserved communities, our university is committed to promoting access for all. UTSA, a premier public research university, fosters academic excellence through a community of dialogue, discovery and innovation that embraces the uniqueness of each voice.
