To: All Faculty & All Academic Professionals & All Civil Service Staff &
           All Undergrad Students & All Grad Students <everybody@illinois.edu> 
    From: "Chancellor Richard Herman" <rhh@illinois.edu>

Reply-To: chancellor@illinois.edu
 Subject: MASSMAIL - Inclusive Environment

Dear Campus Community:

The continuing assaults on the Native American public art displays along 
Nevada Avenue are not only unlawful and malicious. They are also an 
assault on the values and fabric of Illinois. In other words, our 
university has also been vandalized.  

This is unacceptable and I condemn these recent acts in the strongest 
language. 

I am confident we will catch the culprits responsible but there is other 
work that also demands our full attention. 

We need to begin thinking of these crimes differently. First, let us not 
view this as happening to someone else. What threatens one member of our 
community threatens all of us. We are all diminished in the wake of such 
an act. Indeed, Illinois is diminished and that should concern our 
community. 

Secondly, let us remember what this university stands for. Illinois has 
always stood for the respect and dignity of all people and thought. We are 
the home of the widest interpretation of free speech and expression. We 
are the home of spirited debate along the confines of respect and 
civility. But we do not tolerate acts of intimidation, violence or hate. 

Let me be clear. This is our very lifeblood. This is our DNA as a great 
public university. When our foundation as an inclusive and welcoming 
campus is threatened we need to unite as a community and collectively 
stand as one voice in condemnation. We have done so in the past and we 
will do so at this crucial moment. 

Let us reaffirm our commitment to making Illinois a safe, tolerant, and 
inclusive environment for everyone. 

Richard Herman
Chancellor


This mailing approved by:
The Office of the Chancellor

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