To the campus community

Acting President Nancy Targett comments on hate crime

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1:16 a.m., Sept. 23, 2015--Nancy M. Targett, acting president of the University of Delaware, sent a message to the campus community as UD Police investigate a hate crime on campus.

Here is the text of the message:

Campus Stories

From graduates, faculty

As it neared time for the processional to open the University of Delaware Commencement ceremonies, graduating students and faculty members shared their feelings about what the event means to them.

Doctoral hooding

It was a day of triumph, cheers and collective relief as more than 160 students from 21 nations participated in the University of Delaware's Doctoral Hooding Convocation held Friday morning on The Green.

To our campus community:

Tuesday evening a student found what are believed to be three nooses hanging from a tree in front of Mitchell Hall on The Green. University of Delaware Police responded to the scene immediately and are now investigating this incident as a hate crime. Police officers have removed the nooses. 

I ask for the cooperation of all members of our community in this serious matter. If you saw anything suspicious on The Green between dusk and 10 p.m., on Sept. 22, I urge you to share that information immediately with UD Police by calling 302-831-2222.

Such cowardly and reprehensible acts are clearly designed to intimidate and frighten, and they are unacceptable on our campus. I assure you we will work diligently to get to the bottom of this situation, identify the person or persons responsible and hold them accountable for their actions.

These hateful acts stand in stark contrast to the peaceful protest and discussion held near the same spot just one day ago.

As we work through the investigation, I encourage you and other members of our community to stay strong and to remember that the true campus we envision for ourselves is attainable if we work together.   

We are planning a campuswide gathering on Wednesday, and I will share details as soon as they are available. 

Sincerely,

Nancy M. Targett

Acting President 

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