Response to a disturbing incident within our community

Faculty, staff and students:

Yesterday, university officials learned of a disturbing incident that took place Sunday night at the Alpha Epsilon Pi off-campus fraternity house. An Israeli flag was cut down from a flagpole outside the house, torn up and later found a block away. The American flag was found on the ground near the flagpole. The incident was reported to the Lawrence Police Department, and they are investigating.

Although the police investigation is still ongoing, world events and increasing reports of antisemitism across the United States make it reasonable to conjecture that this was an act intended to intimidate members of our Jewish community. 

To members of our campus community, we want to reiterate that our mission and vision call us to build a caring community and to reject hate in all its forms. It is important that every member of our community feels safe, respected, and that they belong.

We encourage anyone to immediately report acts of intimidation, vandalism or threatening behavior to law enforcement or to the university's Office of Civil Rights & Title IX.

Respectfully,

Douglas A. Girod
Chancellor

Barbara A. Bichelmeyer
Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Lawrence and Edwards