The University of Missouri Council of Deans reaffirms its commitment to diversity, both across MU and in individual schools, colleges, divisions, workplaces and classrooms. While the judicial and student conduct processes will address questions of individual responsibility for Saturday’s graffiti incident, we are saddened that our university and community have been subjected to such an incident. As pronounced in MU’s Campus Diversity Statement, MU must:

–cultivate a welcoming environment for all members of the community;
–reflect the diversity of the state by encouraging the participation of all who are qualified; and,
–help faculty, staff and students, through education and example, to live productively and peacefully in an increasingly diverse society and world.

As an institution, MU must remain committed to respect, responsibility, discovery, excellence and diversity. As individuals, we will continue to work to ensure that all are truly welcome at MU and incidents such as Saturday’s never again occur.