SIU students,

Many of you are aware of a highly disturbing video that promotes division, racism and violence on our campus. I assure you that the university is taking this video very seriously and is working to identify the source. We will take appropriate action. We have also asked that the video be removed.

The promotion of disruption and violence is not acceptable. It distracts all of us from our mission, and it makes members of our community feel unwelcome and unsafe. Individuals who hide behind anonymity, or who tie their views to organizations they do not represent, must not be allowed to disrupt our campus. Individuals who use the power of social media to spread hate and fear must not be allowed to be the voice of our community.

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Those who choose to disrupt the campus or threaten others will be held accountable via laws and policies that are in place to protect our community. Again, we are fully prepared to take action.

I urge you not to give these anonymous individuals more power by further sharing their messages and letting them create fear. I also urge everyone on campus to be civil to others in your words and actions. We must stand together as Salukis to fight intolerance.

Brad Colwell

Interim Chancellor

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