To:       The Campus Community

 

From:  Lou DiMasi, Director of Residence Life

            Peter Soons, Director of Public Safety

            Megan Ohler, Director of First Year Programs

 

Date:   March 24, 2009

 

 

In the early morning hours yesterday (12:30 – 2:00 am), there was an incident of vandalism in Ryan Hall involving the defacing of college property.  There was extensive writing on the walls in the hallways and bathroom that was sexually explicit, derogatory, and in some cases included words of bias and anti-gay sentiment.

 

This incident is being jointly investigated by Public Safety and Residence Life staff.  Colchester Police is also aware of the incident and is offering assistance. Floor meetings were held in the involved areas last evening and the investigation will continue to identify the responsible party(ies).

 

This is not only an act of vandalism, it is also a violation of the college’s harassment policy with overtones of bias and hate.   Because we work very hard “…to maintain an educational environment where every member of our community is free from physical and/or psychological harassment that threatens the dignity of individuals or adversely affects their learning, working or living environment”^[1], we take this matter very seriously.  We will not and cannot tolerate acts of bias or hate within our community.

 

We would urge and invite anyone with information that will help us resolve this to come forward.  This may be done anonymously through our silent witness webpage at   www2.smcvt.edu/security/prevention/silent_witness.htm , or by contacting the Residence Life or Public Safety office.

 

 

http://www2.smcvt.edu/security/prevention/silent_witness.htm

 

 

1- Excerpt from the Student Guide and Code – Harassment Policy