October 2, 2007
Dear Colleagues,
I need to inform you of an appalling and racially divisive incident that occurred last weekend. A freshman at the University of Louisiana at Monroe posted racially offensive materials on the Facebook Web site. Since then, these deplorable materials have been copied and re-posted to other sites and discussion boards across the Web.
The ULM administration, faculty, staff, and students abhor the reprehensible racist attitudes reflected in this video. The irresponsible actions of this individual do not represent the attitudes of the ULM student body. We are mortified that this young person would act so irresponsibly and then would choose to share her actions with the world.
The ULM administration wishes to transform this terrible incident into a call for action within the university community. I have directed Vice President for Student Affairs Wayne Brumfield and Provost Stephen Richters to enhance educational opportunities focusing on cultural diversity and racial sensitivity, including special programs that will be included in the freshmen orientation process.
We also are opening a dialogue with our students regarding the myriad difficult issues related to this incident. The initial forum will occur in Brown Auditorium tonight at 7:00 PM and is open to all ULM students and the general public.
James E. Cofer, Sr.
ULM President