Office of the President

Dear members of the University community:

Early this morning, I learned of a racially charged act of vandalism at our Frank W. Hale Jr. Black Cultural Center. Let me be very clear: This is not who we are at Ohio State. Racism will not be tolerated on our campus.

I want to assure you that our University police are vigorously investigating this incident.

This is an opportunity to take a lead role in heightening awareness and seeking productive solutions to racial injustice that continues to challenge our country.

The namesake of the Hale Center, Dr. Frank Hale Jr., understood that a university must engage with an open mind if it is to be true to its purpose. It is with that spirit and conviction that we will move forward to reaffirm Ohio State’s principle of inclusion.

Our challenge now, as always, is for each of us to speak out against messages of hatred and injustice.

Sincerely,

E. Gordon Gee
President