Gora: Harassment Will Not be Tolerated

By Jo Ann M. Gora

I have some unsettling news. Over the weekend, harassing materials of a racial nature targeted toward members of the men's basketball coaching staff were found in their office area. Our campus police launched an immediate investigation into the matter and will continue working the case until some concrete answers are revealed.

First and foremost, we want to express our support to coach Ronny Thompson, his staff, and his players. No one should ever have to endure an attack such as this. Let me be clear, the acts that were committed were repugnant, and they certainly do not reflect the values of this campus. I pledge to the coaching staff and to the team that their safety is of our utmost concern, and we will take every action to find the people who perpetrated this intolerable act. These actions will never shake our commitment of promoting diversity at Ball State and of standing up for everyone in our campus community.

Along with conducting a full police investigation, we are also going to conduct a complete assessment of the work environment within the athletics department -- beginning immediately. To that end, Tom Collins and I have asked Charlene Alexander and Stephania Aegisdottir -- both from the counseling psychology department and experts on the topic of multiculturalism in the workplace -- to lead the inquiry.

Their goal will be to gauge the climate within athletics to determine whether it is supportive to all people. We need to assess whether this weekend's incident is an isolated one or indicative of broader problems that need to be corrected.

They will conduct interviews with coaches, student athletes, and others involved in athletics who can address the day-to-day working atmosphere. Once those interviews are complete, they will provide a full report to Tom Collins and me by Dec. 1.

A hostile work environment will not be tolerated. Should the report reveal any inconsistencies with our commitment to a supportive work environment and diversity, action to remedy those discrepancies will be swift.

And just as a reminder, my door is always open -- even during the summer. If anyone would like to meet with me to discuss this situation or other important issues, I am your president and here to serve you.

I'll keep you apprised as this situation unfolds. In the meantime, enjoy the rest of your summer.

Jo Ann M. Gora
President BSU

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