Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:

Ohio State’s Shared Values clearly and unequivocally establish our university community’s collective commitment to excellence and impact; diversity and innovation; inclusion and equity; care and compassion; and integrity and respect.

Most unfortunately, we have all seen examples of antisemitism, racism and other hateful behavior in the national news in recent weeks and months – and far too many of us have seen and experienced instances on our campuses and within the Ohio State community. This past weekend, an escalation occurred as vandalism in the form of hateful graffiti, including anti-Black and antisemitic phrases, was found in an academic building on the Columbus campus.

There is no room for hate in our home. The university is where we work and live – and we will not tolerate violations of the values, principles and behaviors that constitute the Shared Values we agree to uphold when we become part of Ohio State.

All Buckeyes should report hate activity, discrimination and harassment occurring on Ohio State’s campuses directly to the university’s Office of Institutional Equity. You can call or report online.

If you are subjected to or witness any acts of intimidation or threats, please notify Ohio State’s Department of Public Safety at 614-292-2121. Always call 9-1-1 in an emergency.

Our values demand that we support our fellow Buckeyes at all times, particularly during the most challenging moments. Current Ohio State students seeking support services can contact the Office of Student Life’s Counseling and Consultation Service. Ohio State employees can access resources through the Employee Assistance Program.

We understand that diversity and inclusion are essential components of our excellence. We are dedicated to attending to the well-being of individuals and communities. We take seriously our commitment to act responsibly and be accountable for our words and actions.

Our Shared Values define us as Buckeyes. We will continue to work together to live them each day.

Sincerely,

Kristina M. Johnson 
President

Melissa L. Gilliam 
Executive Vice President and Provost

Grace Wang 
Executive Vice President for Research, Innovation and Knowledge

Melissa S. Shivers 
Senior Vice President for Student Life

Jay Kasey 
Senior Vice President for Administration and Planning

Jay Anderson 
Interim Co-leader, Wexner Medical Center

Andrew Thomas 
Interim Co-leader, Wexner Medical Center

Wendy Smooth 
Senior Vice Provost for Inclusive Excellence

Ben Givens 
Secretary, University Senate

Caroline Clark 
Chair, Faculty Council

Laurel Van Dromme 
Chair, University Staff Advisory Committee

Andrew Pierce 
President, Undergraduate Student Government

Jorge Ernesto Clavo Abbass 
President, Council of Graduate Students

Anthony Long 
President, Inter-Professional Council

Kelsey Lowman 
Chair, Senate Council on Student Affairs

Molly Ranz Calhoun 
President and CEO, The Ohio State University Alumni Association