RESOLUTION 62

 

A RESOLUTION TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT TO FORMALLY CONDEMN THE ACT OF HATRED ON THIS CAMPUS LAST WEEK AND TO CALL FOR A STRONGER MESSAGE

 

 

WHEREAS,   Thursday, November 8^th a ten inch noose was found in the Motor Pool Office restroom at the Sullivan Shops; and,

 

WHEREAS,   the incident was reported to campus police at about 8:30am Thursday morning; and,

 

WHEREAS,   the noose was made of toilet paper and about 10 inches long; and,

 

WHEREAS,   Chancellor James Oblinger issues a statement Thursday; and,

 

 WHEREAS,  the Oblinger issue the following in his statement, “We want to resist the temptation to overreact to what appears to be an isolated incident. This could be someone’s idea of a prank or it might constitute a crime. In either case, it is inappropriate. This is an act that has become symbolic of racial hatred. There is no room for this kind of action on the NC State campus. Even if it is intended as a prank, it is disruptive and an offense to a safe learning and working environment.  Let me make it clear that the incident is being investigated and anyone found guilty of this act is subject to the university's disciplinary process and may also face criminal charges.  I would also like to reaffirm that we welcome individuals of varied backgrounds, races, nationalities, religions, opinions and interests, recognizing the strengths that each person adds to our campus. NC State supports free expression and debate. This open exchange of ideas must be guided by our commitment to the ideals of tolerance, respect and civility;” and,

WHEREAS,   University policy states, “North Carolina State University hereby affirms its desire to maintain a work environment for all employees and an academic environment for all faculty and students that is free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and free from discrimination which is otherwise prohibited by university policy or regulation. Unlawful discrimination is completely incompatible with the values and goals of North Carolina State University and will not be tolerated. North Carolina State University strives to maintain an environment that supports and rewards individuals on the basis of such relevant factors as ability, merit and performance;” and,

WHEREAS,   the noose is seen as a symbol of hatred and racism; and,

WHEREAS,   events following Jena six are highly sensitive; and,

 WHEREAS,  calls from the campus community, and a number of student leaders have been made petitioning for a stronger message from the Chancellor; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED,  by the North Carolina State University Student Senate that the Student Government and the Student Body formally denounce this act of racism and hatred and is seen as unacceptable at this university; and be it further,

 

RESOLVED, the student body calls for a stronger message to be issued by the university condemning any actions of hatred; and be it further,

 

RESOLVED,  as a leading research institution, state institution, and a land grant institution instances such as these should not be taken lightly; and be it further,

 

RESOLVED,  that the university should conduct a full and complete investigation as well have a third party investigation conducted by the SBI; and be it further,

 

RESOLVED,  that the individual apprehended for this act of hatred be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law; and be it further,

 

RESOLVED,  the university examine ways to prevent hatred and racism on this campus; and be it further,

 

RESOLVED,  the university should adopt a hate crimes policy dealing with such issues; and be it further,

 

RESOLVED,  the university re-examine ways to respond to incidents such as these specifically dealing informing students and responses.