Bowling Green State University’s Office of Student Affairs is investigating a case of students dressing up for Halloween as Mexican gang members and mocking the concept of cultural appropriation.
In a statement to the university community, President Rodney Rogers said “the bias incident” was captured on a number of social media posts.
“While the University is committed to protecting everyone’s right to free speech, we can, and will, speak out against individuals or groups that espouse racism, intolerance or hate,” Rogers wrote in the statement. “The students’ actions were offensive, inappropriate and not representative of BGSU’s Core Values.”
If administrators determine that the students violated the student code of conduct that would be subject to punishment. Violations of the student code of conduct can be as severe as expulsion from the university.
Rogers went on to say that a fundamental part of the strategic plan now being discussed “is the objective of supporting all individuals to build a quality learning community that fosters diversity and inclusion, collaboration, creativity, and excellence. This is an important opportunity for dialogue among students, faculty and staff about what it really means to be a diverse, inclusive community.”
He continued: “The awareness and critical discussions that are needed to address these difficult subjects must continue to occur for BGSU to be a welcoming and supportive community for all.”
Rogers thanks those who reported the incident. Help for those affected is available. He urged members of the campus community to report other instances of “bias or concern” through the See It. Hear It. Report It. page on the BGSU website.
