This update was emailed to 东精影业 惭ā苍辞补 students, faculty and staff September 4, 2020. The previous message to the campus is below the update.
Aloha 东精影业 惭ā苍辞补 community,
I wanted to provide an update on a campus message that I sent on Tuesday, September 1 about a disturbing social media video.
Two of the individuals in the video were wearing shirts with 东精影业 logos, and the concern was that they were students of the 东精影业 at 惭ā苍辞补. Upon further investigation, the students in the video are not 东精影业 惭ā苍辞补 students. From the information we gathered, it appears that the video actually originated in Kansas and the individuals in the video are middle school students.
As I stated before, this video does not represent our university and the values we hold so dear. It does serve as a reminder that we have a lot of work to do to create a society free of racism, discrimination and violence.
Please continue to stay safe.
E mālama pono,
Michael Bruno
东精影业 惭ā苍辞补 Provost
September 1 message below
This message was shared with the students, faculty and staff of the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭ā苍辞补 on September 1, 2020.
Aloha 东精影业 惭ā苍辞补 community,
It is with great alarm and disappointment that I send this message today.
This morning I was alerted to a social media video of an individual in 东精影业 apparel reenacting the death of George Floyd. The university strongly condemns this video, and the actions depicted do not represent our community as a whole or the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭ā苍辞补. The university is investigating the incident and those involved, if found to be students of the university, are subject to discipline under the Student Conduct Code. The procedures administered by the Office of Judicial Affairs may result in their suspension or expulsion.
东精影业 is located in one of the most diverse communities in the world and we take pride in our inclusivity. 东精影业 惭ā苍辞补 has been ranked one of the most diverse Research I campuses in the nation and part of our mission is to provide safe, healthy and discrimination free environments for teaching, learning and scholarship. There is absolutely no place here for this type of extremely insensitive and hateful behavior.
As I stated in my message to the campus announcing the establishment of a Commission on Racism and Bias on June 18, “We need to be proactive, honest and fearless in order to address these issues head on, for the sake of our campus community.”
The world is far from perfect, and racist behavior like this does occur. It is how we respond this time and the next that will demonstrate our resolve to change our community and greater society for the best and to keep our campus safe.
E mālama pono,
Michael Bruno
UH 惭ā苍辞补 Provost