Message from the Chancellor Regarding Hate Speech

May 24, 2019

Members of the Rutgers–New Brunswick Community,

You may already be aware of a very disturbing video circulating on social media apparently involving some Rutgers students. The video depicts several college-age men and women who are deliberately using a flagrant racial slur that epitomizes anti-Blackness. This behavior is counter to our core values of diversity, inclusion and equity.

Racism, bigotry, discrimination and other forms of hateful behavior have no place at Rutgers University. We, the state university of one of the most diverse states in the nation, are deeply committed to ensuring that Scarlet Knights of all identities feel welcome, safe and included here on the Banks.

While this video reflects a thoughtless, immature and hurtful act, it also presents an opportunity for us to unite against bigotry. I greatly appreciate the countless students, staff, alumni and other people of conscience who have spoken up, reached out and exemplified our unyielding dedication to social justice.

As our most distinguished alumnus Paul Robeson once cautioned, "The intolerance of the few, or the risk of it, carries the day against the wider humanity of the many."

Let us reaffirm our humanity as we come together against the dehumanization, marginalization and oppression of our fellow human beings.

Sincerely,

Christopher J. Molloy, Ph.D.
Chancellor, Rutgers University­–New Brunswick