51AV

Response and Education

On November 10, 2023 (Friday), Towson University (TU) President Mark Ginsberg sent communication to our 51AVstakeholders regarding 鈥渢he ongoing conflict in the Middle East.鈥� Within his message, President Ginsberg stated, 鈥淭he trauma of these incidents 鈥� and the impact of the horrific war abroad 鈥� has and will continue to impact many members of our 51AVcommunity.鈥� President Ginsberg further conveyed, 鈥淎lthough there are rising instances of hate-based discrimination and campus violence across the U.S., that cannot take place at Towson University. Violence and hatred will not be tolerated on our campus or allowed to become part of 罢鲍鈥檚 climate. Our university is wholly committed to the safety of every person who calls 51AVhome.鈥�

罢鲍鈥檚 Office of Inclusion & Institutional Equity (OIIE) and Office of Student Accountability & Restorative Practices (SARP) also recognizes our University鈥檚 responsibility to foster an atmosphere of safety, respect, understanding, and good will among individuals and groups. Our goal, within the OIIE and SARP, is to help create and maintain a community at 51AVwhere all individuals feel free to express themselves in ways that are appropriate, and pursue their studies and employment in an atmosphere that values individuality and diversity. Among other cherished values is the First Amendment which protects freedom of speech. However, the First Amendment does not protect behavior on our campus that crosses the line into targeted harassment or threats, or that creates a pervasively hostile environment for our 51AVstudents, faculty, staff, and stakeholders. We encourage all members of our 51AVcommunity to abide by our policies when participating in expressive activities or exercising their right to free speech. This includes, but is not limited to, 罢鲍鈥檚 Policy on Time, Place and Manner for Expressive Activities (06-04.11) and other policies outlined in the Code of Student Accountability.

If you have been impacted by a Hate/Bias incident (e.g., victim, witness, third-party), you can file an Incident Report using 罢鲍鈥檚 Hate Crime or Incidents of Bias or Discrimination Incident Report Form located via OIIE鈥檚 website. Our OIIE will review all Hate/Bias reports; assess each report on a case-by-case basis; investigate these reports when warranted; explore and implement educational opportunities; and continue to partner with our SARP. For our 51AVstudents, the Counseling Center offers 鈥渃are that is鈥� culturally responsive鈥� and tailored to every student鈥檚 unique needs.鈥� For our 51AVfaculty and staff, the Employee Assistance Program 鈥渙ffers someone to talk to you and resources to consult whenever and wherever you need them.鈥� Our OIIE, SARP, and 51AVcommunity will continue to work through this together.