Dear Students: I write to provide an update on incidents that occurred in late January in Xavier Hall, and related conversations with students living on the Multicultural Learning Experience (MLE) floors and elsewhere across campus. To begin, this week the Office of Student Conduct finished its review of the incident on the women’s MLE floor committed by two students on January 30, and found them responsible for multiple violations of University policies. Federal privacy laws preclude colleges and universities from divulging specific information on student disciplinary matters, but I want the campus community, and in particular the MLE residents, to know that these students were disciplined in accordance with Boston College’s Student Code of Conduct. Second, the incident in which students were alleged to have sung racist lyrics on the MLE floor will be adjudicated next week. Over the course of the past few weeks, I joined University administrators and Student Affairs professionals for conversations with students from the MLE floors and students of color across campus. Students told us they had experienced other bias-motivated incidents on campus this academic year that were not reported to administrators who would have been in a position to respond in a timely manner and provide support. The Division of Student Affairs and BC Police are committed to investigating all reports of bias-motivated incidents and to holding accountable those found responsible. I urge all who believe they have experienced bias-motivated behavior or other conduct violations to report them by submitting the following online form. Students can also call the Office of Student Conduct at 617-552-3470, or Boston College Police Department at 617-552-4440 to report any incident. I recognize that the University has more work to do so that all BC students feel welcomed and valued. I assure you that the Student Affairs staff, along with BC faculty and administrators, are committed to this important work. Our heritage and commitment as a Jesuit, Catholic university especially require us to treat every person on our campus with dignity and respect. Moreover, as Father Leahy wrote in June, 2020, “Hatred and racism have no place anywhere, and we are called to challenge such behavior when manifested, not only in our community but also in our nation and world.” Going forward, I will work with staff in Student Affairs to review the University’s Diversity.Edu platform and diversity, equity and inclusion programming so that they can be improved and have greater impact. Working with outside experts, staff within Student Affairs and others on campus will continue to engage in dialogue with students about race, community, and college life. In addition, the Division of Student Affairs will work with colleagues across campus to develop events that can help students better understand the painful and demoralizing effects of bias-motivated conduct. Attending BC is a privilege and tremendous opportunity. I ask for your renewed commitment and support in helping our community to be more welcoming for all students and to live up to Boston College’s motto of “Ever to Excel.” Sincerely, Michael Lochhead Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs |