Chancellor Montemagno responds to complaints about SIU student accused of being a Nazi

By Kallie Cox, Staff Reporter

On Thursday, SIUC Chancellor Carlo Montemagno sent out an email with the subject “Discouraging bigotry and celebrating diversity” to students in response to a flier that has been circulating social media accusing an SIU student of being a Nazi.

The flier names the student and demands that his financial aid be revoked by the University.

Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs, Lori Stettler, said in an official statement the university can not prohibit the free speech of a student and revoke their financial aid.

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(See more: Racist propaganda placed on windshields at John A. Logan Community College)

“The views of white supremacists, any other group promoting hate, and all those who seek to demean and marginalize others are abhorrent,” Montemagno said. “They do not align with the university’s mission or values, and they do not represent what we stand for as a campus community.”

Montemagno said he encourages students to start a dialogue to address issues of racism and bias.

“Our obligation to comply with and respect the law does not prevent any of us from proactively speaking out against racism and bias,” Montemagno said. ”It does not prevent us from focusing on education and dialog about addressing these serious issues.”

Montemagno said residence life staff will be holding town hall meetings beginning in October to discuss current events, issues relating to diversity and to allow students to discuss the events from this fall semester

“A new diversity event calendar, housed on the Office of the Associate Chancellor for Diversity website, is being developed to help you stay up-to-date on events and activities,” Montemagno said.

At the end of the email, Montemagno said students who are aware of threatening statements or behaviors should report their information to the SIU Department of Public Safety.

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The SIU Department of Public Safety can be reached here: (618) 453-3771 or at 911 in an emergency.

Staff reporter Kallie Cox can be reached at kcox@dailyegyptian.com or on Twitter at @KallieC45439038.

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