November 21, 2015

Updates on issues of diversity and inclusion

Please follow this continually updated story.
Resources and Support

Anyone with information about the incidents on November 20-21 is encouraged to contact Campus Safety (503-768-7777) or the Portland Police Bureau (Central Precinct, 503-823-0097, or the general non-emergency line at 503-823-3333). In an emergency, call 911 immediately. Information gathered will help to ensure the safety of the entire Lewis & Clark community.

Student Support: Counseling Services are available to all students: undergraduate, graduate, and law. On weekdays during business hours, students may contact the Counseling Service at 503-768-7160. Anytime the Counseling Service is closed, students may speak with a crisis counselor by calling 503-265-7804. Students living on campus can also seek support through their Resident Advisors and Area Directors.

This page will be updated as information becomes available. Newest information is at the top of the page.
 
1:30 P.M. February 4, 2016

Update on CDI meeting

Dear Lewis & Clark Community,

The Committee on Diversity and Inclusion (CDI) had its first meeting of the semester on January 22, 2016. At the meeting, the CDI reviewed the input that the community had provided via the December 7 listening forum and the online survey.

The next meeting of the CDI will take place on Friday, February 12, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. This meeting is open to the community. The CDI will post the agenda on the diversity website prior to the meeting. If you plan to attend, please RSVP via this link.

Community members may provide input prior to the meeting, after the meeting, or online via this link. However, please remember that this is a working meeting, so only CDI members may participate. (Campus policy prohibits audio or video recording at the meeting without permission.)

Based upon the input from the last meeting, the CDI has created five subgroups that will examine diversity and inclusion issues in the following areas: 1. Hiring; 2. Curricular and co-curricular enhancement; 3. Teaching and professional development; 4. Data collection, analysis and sharing; and 5. Communications and transparency. After the examination the subgroups will present items for the diversity and inclusion action plan.

Sincerely, Janet W. Steverson, Chair of the Committee on Diversity and Inclusion

10:55 A.M. February 1, 2016

Safety update: Upgrades to campus lighting well underway

As part of Lewis & Clark’s ongoing commitment to safety and environmental responsibility, the Facilities team is completing the first phase of a comprehensive upgrade to outdoor lighting on all three campuses. While students were away on winter break, Facilities worked with a safety consultant from IKR Consulting and lighting engineers from McKinstry, taking light readings and assessing national best practices. 

The result: In the first phase of the project, which is nearly complete, Facilities is converting outdoor lights from traditional, incandescent bulbs to LEDs across the undergraduate, law, and graduate school campuses. Work will continue throughout the semester.

In addition to upgrading existing fixtures, Facilities is in the process of installing new lighting in darker areas around campus. This includes LED rope lights along the handrails of the pedestrian bridge, additional pole lights on the cobblestone walk in the Estate Gardens, and wall pack lights on both classroom and residential buildings. A subsequent phase will include more lighting in parking lots.

The more energy-efficient LED lights are an improvement for several reasons:

  1. LEDs provide a more natural and even light closer to daylight for better visual perception.
  2. Lighting is being designed to reduce what lighting engineers refer to as “perceived darkness,” the sensation one experiences when walking out of a brightly-lit area and into a less well-lighted area.  
  3. LEDs can be directed and focused, giving Facilities and Campus Safety teams more and better options for providing light precisely where it is needed.
  4. LEDs are designed to last 15 years or more, requiring less maintenance and reducing the likelihood of burnt out lights.
  5. Lighting is being designed to meet Dark Sky practices, illuminating the ground and not the sky.

To ensure that lighting works most effectively, the team has also been trimming back trees and other landscaping to improve overall sightlines and visibility.

“Along with all the technical criteria we’ve been using, we’ve kept in mind a simple standard: ‘How well can I see the face of a person approaching me?’” said Associate Vice President for Facilities Michel George. “We’re committed to ensuring our community members and campus visitors feel safe.”

President Barry Glassner announced the lighting safety review at December’s Committee on Diversity and Inclusion Listening Forum.

9:50 A.M. February 1, 2016

Survey deadline extended: Please add your input on diversity and inclusion by Tuesday, Feb. 2

Please take a moment to share your thoughts and needs around diversity and inclusion at Lewis & Clark by filling out this online survey. The survey will close at midnight on Tuesday, February 2.

Responses to the survey will assist the Committee on Diversity and Inclusion in creating a diversity action plan.

“It is important to remember that we are concerned with the well-being of all members of our community,” said Janet Steverson, Douglas K. Newell Professor of Teaching Excellence at Lewis & Clark Law School and chair of the Committee on Diversity and Inclusion. “To that end, we strongly encourage everyone to complete the online survey.”

For a recap of some of the progress that Lewis & Clark has made in the last five years, please refer to the handout, “A Working Summary and Timeline of Recent Diversity and Inclusion Efforts and Resources.”

9 A.M. January 22, 2016

President Glassner names Janet Steverson as dean of diversity and inclusion

President Glassner has announced the appointment of Janet Steverson, Douglas K. Newell Professor of Teaching Excellence at Lewis & Clark Law School, as dean of diversity and inclusion, effective this summer.

“In my new role, I look forward to the opportunity to deepen my engagement with the entire Lewis & Clark community: students, faculty, and staff at all three schools, and beyond. The work we have begun together around issues of diversity and inclusion will be my primary and welcome focus,” said Steverson.

At Lewis & Clark since 1990, Steverson currently serves and will continue to serve as the chair of the Committee on Diversity and Inclusion. In 2009 she was named Douglas K. Newell Professor of Teaching Excellence for her dedication to each student’s success and the ways in which she “enriches the academic experience with pragmatism, rigor, and humor.” The Class of 2013 honored Steverson with the Leo Levenson Award for Excellence in Teaching.

“A dynamic and respected member of the faculty who has long been dedicated to matters of diversity and inclusion, Janet is uniquely qualified for this new position,” said Glassner. “Her commitment to working with students and her experience on matters of pedagogy, curriculum, admissions, and hiring will allow her to hit the ground running and increase the pace of our efforts.”

In her role, Steverson will report to President Glassner, serve as a member of Executive Council, and work closely with other deans, the provost, faculty, staff and students across the institution. The dean of diversity and inclusion is responsible for the strategy and implementation of Lewis & Clark’s commitment to a safe, welcoming, and equitable learning community.

Steverson earned her BA from the State University of New York at Brockport and her JD from Harvard Law School. Before joining Lewis & Clark Law School, she was an associate at the law firm of Steptoe & Johnson in Washington, D.C. At Lewis & Clark Law School Steverson has taught contracts, commercial law: sales, children and the law, and family law and has published on issues including children and the law, contracts, family law, and consumer warranties.

 
8:15 A.M. January 19, 2016

Welcome back and updates from the Committee on Diversity and Inclusion

Dear Lewis & Clark Community,

On behalf of President Glassner and the Committee on Diversity and Inclusion, I wish to update you on the work of the CDI and to welcome you back to another enriching semester at Lewis & Clark.

The committee is excited to continue its ongoing effort to help Lewis & Clark further its commitment to being a welcoming and inclusive community. As you know, late last November President Glassner asked the CDI to create a diversity action plan to guide its work and the work of all of Lewis & Clark. The deadline for the completion of the action plan is the end of spring 2016.

Toward that end, on December 7 we conducted a listening forum to receive input from the wide community on its thoughts and needs in the area of diversity and inclusion. In addition, we have created a brief online survey for the submission of input from those who could not attend the forum. The deadline for submissions is January 31, 2016. So, if you have not had an opportunity to submit your thoughts, please complete this survey to do so.

The CDI is in the process of compiling the input that we have received. In February a document with the input will be available on the diversity website. We will send an announcement when it is posted.

In addition to updating you on the action plan, I’d like to highlight two current diversity actions. First, the campus climate survey that the CDI has been planning will take place this semester. We strongly encourage everyone to complete the online survey once it is available. Second, beginning with our February meeting, general CDI meetings will be open to Lewis & Clark members who wish to attend. (The executive meetings will still be limited to committee members.) The meeting time, place, and agenda for the general meetings will be available on the diversity website.

If you plan to attend a meeting, please notify Ronna Craig at ronnac@lclark.edu. This notification will ensure that we have a sufficient number of chairs. All of the CDI’s meetings are working meetings: Thus, only committee members may actively participate. However, we will establish a Maxient portal for community members to provide input to the CDI on the work conducted at a meeting.

We very much look forward to working with you this semester.

Sincerely, Janet W. Steverson, Chair of the Committee on Diversity and Inclusion

 
8:15 A.M. January 19, 2016

Working on diversity and inclusion: A note from Executive Council

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff:

As the spring semester begins, we wish to affirm our support for continued dialogue, engagement, and work on issues of diversity and inclusion across campus.

This work includes that of the Committee on Diversity and Inclusion, as well as the efforts of individual schools and departments, and, indeed, every member of our community. As we return, we must remember that our collective goals at Lewis & Clark should always be centered on educational engagement and opportunity. We seek to promote a strong, healthy, and safe community characterized by mutual respect, personal and academic integrity, critical thinking, and responsible decision-making.

Accordingly, actions that are contrary to these efforts include disruption of classrooms, disruption of workplaces and offices, or engaging in activity that targets or threatens groups or individuals. Such actions are against the spirit of civil discourse and existing campus policies.

Freedom of Expression and Academic Inquiry Policy (institutional) Academic Freedom and Responsibility (faculty) Code of Conduct (students) Student Rights and Responsibilities (judicial pathways for CAS students)

Balancing the rights and responsibilities of all members of our diverse, multidimensional community requires patience, dialogue, and mutual understanding.

We wish you all the best for a productive spring semester.

Sincerely, Executive Council

Members Barry Glassner, President Jane Atkinson, Vice President, Provost, Interim Vice President for Institutional Advancement, and Title IX Coordinator Joe Becker, Executive Director of Public Affairs and Communication David Ellis, Vice President, Secretary, and General Counsel Mark Figueroa, Associate Provost for Institutional Research and Planning Alan Finn, Vice President, Business and Finance, and Treasurer Scott Fletcher, Dean of the Graduate School Anna Gonzalez, Dean of Students Jennifer Johnson, Dean of the Law School Catherine Gunther Kodat, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Rob Kugler, Paul S. Wright Professor of Christian Studies and Director of Strategic Studies Lisa Meyer, Dean of Enrollment and Communications

 
2:45 P.M. December 14, 2015; updated Dec. 15, 10:45 A.M.

[UPDATE: On December 15, Portland Police Bureau Bias Crimes Detectives announced they “have suspended an investigation into the assault of a Lewis and Clark student after the victim has indicated that he does not want to participate in the investigation or any subsequent prosecution, should a suspect or suspects ever be identified.”]

Dear Lewis & Clark Community,

I am writing to provide up-to-date information about the investigation into the campus assaults.

While College officials have been sharing information and fully cooperating with law enforcement, Tanguy Muvuna has exercised his right not to participate in any investigation by the Portland Police Bureau or our own Campus Safety that would help us identify his attackers. He has told us that he will not testify in any criminal or campus judicial proceedings should any of his assailants be independently identified.

Without the victim’s participation, Portland Police have indicated that the case cannot move forward, but they have not yet notified us of a decision to close the investigation regarding Tanguy’s assault. [Editor’s note: Investigation is suspended by PPB as of Dec. 15.]

We urge everyone to respect Tanguy’s decision. It is important that we allow him the ability to decide for himself whether he would like to pursue or not pursue action by the police or our own campus judicial system.

The transgender student who was also reportedly assaulted on Saturday, November 21, has chosen not to contact Portland Police or Campus Safety to launch an investigation.

The process to attempt to identify the poster of hateful speech on Yik Yak is ongoing, but there is still no certainty that we will ever know the identity of the poster. I urge you all to continue to fight hateful and racist speech with clear and immediate responses of contempt for that speech—and love and support for those targeted.

Since Saturday, November 21, we have added security personnel to support our own campus safety officers, and we’ll continue this extra measure as long as necessary. We will continue our work to keep our community members safe.

Sincerely, David Ellis, Vice President, Secretary, and General Counsel

[UPDATE: On December 15, Portland Police Bureau Bias Crimes Detectives announced they “have suspended an investigation into the assault of a Lewis and Clark student after the victim has indicated that he does not want to participate in the investigation or any subsequent prosecution, should a suspect or suspects ever be identified.”]

 
5:00 P.M. December 9, 2015

A Message From Janet Steverson, Chair of the Committee on Diversity and Inclusion

Dear Lewis & Clark Community,

The Committee on Diversity and Inclusion (CDI) and I would like to thank everyone who attended the listening forum on Monday, Dec. 7. We appreciate your willingness to participate in a forum at this busy time of year.

We received excellent input from the break-out sessions. As I indicated at the forum, your input will help to guide the action plan that the President asked the CDI to create for the spring of 2016. We are currently putting your ideas into a document that we can then circulate to the community.

In addition to thanking everyone, I want to make one clarification regarding the questions posed at the forum. I have heard a few people stating that the CDI asked, “Is there racism on this campus?” That was not the question. We know that there is racism everywhere. The first discussion question was as follows: “Do you believe that problems exist in the area of diversity and inclusion, i.e., creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all members of our community? The problems need not be ‘diversity-related’ as that term is commonly understood. We are the committee of diversity and inclusion.”

In giving examples of possible problems I spoke about four things: safety; campus culture; institutional issues, e.g., increasing diversity of the student body, faculty, and staff; and classroom (having more diverse materials and/or classes). Diversity encompasses race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, first generation, disability, gender identity, and sexual orientation, just to name a few characteristics. The CDI posed the question in an open-ended way to promote the greatest amount of discussion involving a variety of diversity-related issues. It gave space for people to say that the existing diversity initiatives have made them feel welcome and supported. It also, however, challenged them to think beyond themselves and ask whether others do not feel welcome and supported and why.

It is important to remember that we are the Committee on Diversity and Inclusion, thus we are concerned with the well-being of all members of our community. As a reminder, you may complete the diversity and inclusion survey until January 31. Again, thank you for your involvement.

Sincerely,

Professor of Law Janet W. Steverson Chair of the Committee on Diversity and Inclusion

 
3:45 P.M. December 8, 2015
A Report on the Committee on Diversity and Inclusion Listening Forum

More than 400 Lewis & Clark community members attended the Committee on Diversity and Inclusion (CDI) Listening Forum on Monday evening, December 7, at the Agnes Flanagan Chapel.

President Barry Glassner welcomed the crowd of students, alumni, faculty, staff, and community members saying, “Dedication to diversity and inclusion has been integral to my career in my teaching, research, and writing, and as an administrator. I am heartened that so many of you want us to move forward in order to ensure that Lewis & Clark is a safe, welcoming, and equitable place.”

Glassner then handed the floor over to Professor Janet Steverson, Douglas K. Newell Professor of Teaching Excellence at the Law School and chair of the CDI. She introduced the representatives of the CDI seated on stage and outlined the format for the forum.

When Professor Steverson asked the crowd to divide into groups for break-out sessions, two attendees interrupted, and soon after a group of students gathered and sat on the stage displaying protest signs. Professor Steverson urged the group to join in the group discussions, but the students left and invited others to follow them to Stamm Dining Room for an alternative forum. More than half the crowd stayed at the chapel, while other attendees joined the student activists or returned to other activities. As the activists were leaving, a student of color took the microphone urging community members to not turn their backs on each other and silence those with whom they disagree. 

President Glassner and Professor Steverson followed the activists to Stamm and listened to and engaged for about an hour with the students, alumni, and community members, including students from Reed and Portland State University, as they spoke about their views on diversity and inclusion issues at the college. President Glassner spoke of his own longtime dedication to inclusion and Lewis & Clark’s continued progress.

Meanwhile, at the chapel, about 200 participants in 15 small group sessions addressed issues of diversity and inclusion at Lewis & Clark and concrete suggestions for moving forward. The facilitators led the discussions and took note of their ideas.

Near the end of the forum, group members shared some of their ideas which included:

  • Students drafting and adopting a Student Code of Conduct or Code of Honor which would include sexual assault and racism.
  • Adding training sessions in diversity for students as well as resident advisors, faculty, and staff.
  • Increasing the number of faculty of color.
  • Encouraging more communication about the process and progress of the CDI’s work on issues of diversity and inclusion.
  • Instituting a Safe Ride program.

President Glassner and Professor Steverson rejoined the forum in the chapel as the ideas were being shared. Glassner said, “I want to thank those of you who chose to remain here. Your ideas will be shared with me and CDI. I apologize for leaving to join the other group. The decision to go tore me up, but I wanted this to be an evening of listening.” He continued, “I hope that all of us can be part of the conversation to move forward.”

Dean of Students and CDI member Anna Gonzalez closed out the forum. “I believe in the ethos of care and kindness,” Gonzales said. “I know there are a lot of students in pain, but their pain will be even greater if they use hate. Social justice is based on love. We need to remind ourselves of that as we try to build a stronger and more inclusive community.”

The CDI is tasked with presenting a plan incorporating feedback from community members that was shared at the forum. Additionally, community members are encouraged to fill out a diversity and inclusion survey by January 31.

Attendees were offered a handout, “A Working Summary and Timeline of Recent Diversity and Inclusion Efforts and Resources,” which summarizes some of the progress that Lewis & Clark has made in the last five years.

 

10 A.M. December 4, 2015

Dear Lewis & Clark Community, In order to accommodate a larger gathering, next Monday night’s open forum with the Committee on Diversity and Inclusion will take place in Agnes Flanagan Chapel rather than the South Campus Chapel.  We hope you will join us on Monday, December 7, 6:30-8:00 PM, in Agnes Flanagan Chapel. Sincerely, Barry Glassner President and Professor Janet Steverson Douglas K. Newell Professor of Teaching Excellence and Chair of the Committee on Diversity and Inclusion                  

 
2:30 P.M., December 2, 2015

Dear Lewis & Clark Families,

The safety of our students is our highest priority. Recent events have made us more determined than ever to ensure that our students live and study in a safe and welcoming environment. As you are probably aware, our safety record at Lewis & Clark is strong, and our standards for safety on campus remain exceptionally high.

Since the reported assaults on two of our students on November 21, we have added security personnel to support our own campus safety officers, and we’ll continue this extra measure as long as necessary.  

We continue to work with the Portland Police Bureau to identify the assailants. Although the victims have decided not to pursue complaints, we are still seeking the community’s help in bringing the attackers to justice. If you or your student have any information about these incidents, please contact Campus Safety (503-768-7777) or the Portland Police Bureau (503-823-3333).

Our director of campus safety, Tim O’Dwyer, who reports to me, is a 28-year veteran of the Portland Police Bureau, primarily as a detective and detective sergeant. In addition to the experienced staff that Tim oversees, safety on campus is also strengthened by teamwork across departments and divisions, including Facilities and Student Life. To learn more about our policies, procedures, and guidance for how to respond in the event of an emergency, visit this page.

While these two incidents were rare and very difficult for the Lewis & Clark community, we are heartened by the strength of our students, faculty, and staff in the face of adversity.

Please let me know if you have further questions on this matter.

Sincerely,

Jane Monnig Atkinson Vice President and Provost

 

10:15 A.M., December 1, 2015

A Message from the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees

To the Lewis & Clark Community,

On behalf of the Board of Trustees, we want to share our outrage at the recent Yik Yak posts and the hateful assaults on two of our students. We are particularly concerned to ensure the safety of our students and want the assailants brought to justice.

We support the administration’s responses to these incidents, pursuit of justice, and subsequent actions on campus and beyond. 

The Committee on Diversity and Inclusion (CDI) was established almost two years ago. Comprised of students, faculty and administration from all three of our schools, it is committed to listening closely to the community’s concerns and to making recommendations on how to further improve diversity and inclusion throughout Lewis & Clark. 

We are confident that through productive engagement—and bringing diversity of thought from all viewpoints to the table—Lewis & Clark will be an even better place. 

Sincerely,

The Executive Committee of the Lewis & Clark College Board of Trustees

 

9 A.M., November 30; updated Dec. 3 with location change to Agnes Flanagan Chapel

Invitation to an Open Forum

Dear Lewis & Clark Students, Faculty, Staff, Parents, Alumni, and Friends,

As I committed to you last week, I have charged our Committee on Diversity and Inclusion (CDI) to begin work immediately on an action plan to further improve diversity and inclusion efforts for our three schools, and to involve faculty, students, staff, and alumni.

The CDI began its work on the plan with meetings on Tuesday, Nov. 24. It will continue its work with an open forum next Monday, December 7, from 6:30-8:00 PM in Agnes Flanagan Chapel. I will join them that evening to hear from anyone who has views on these issues.

I have heard and continue to hear from students, faculty, staff, alumni, and parents from our three schools who hold a wide range of views and suggestions, which I appreciate. Some are highly involved in the protests and petitions, others are sympathetic, some are undecided, and others are critical of the protests and the proposals that have been put forward. I want to encourage all members of our community to come to the open forum. All should feel free and safe in sharing constructive views on all sides of the issues.

Also, the CDI and I invite members of the campus community to share their views via an online form, which may be submitted signed or anonymous through January 31, 2016.

Lewis & Clark’s goal is to become one of the most welcoming, safe, diverse, and equitable learning communities in the nation, a place where differences are respected and supported.

Thanks to all of you for your ongoing commitment to our students and our institution.

Sincerely,  

Barry Glassner President and Professor

 
11:50 A.M., November 24, 2015

A Letter from President Glassner

Dear Lewis & Clark Students, Faculty and Staff, and Community Members,

I’ve spoken this morning with a group of students in the Manor House and want to share with you my thoughts. 

I thanked them for their efforts and shared with them that I am as committed to these issues as they are—and have been for a long time. I have been very inspired after these horrible events—from Yik Yak and the despicable assaults on our two students Saturday morning—that there are so many students, faculty, staff, and administrators, but especially students, taking the lead around these issues and around making this a better place.

I hear the pain and frustration they are expressing. I hear their stories. I hear their call for action. I share their goal—as must we all—to make Lewis & Clark a safe, welcoming, diverse, inclusive, and equitable place. 

If there has been any good since that dreadful morning of the 21st, it has been seen in how quickly our community came together to support our fellow students and to condemn hateful comments on Yik Yak. We are demanding that Yik Yak make available to law enforcement investigating the two attacks on our students the identities of those who made threats against our community. We are working actively with legal authorities to bring the assailants to justice.

Today, across our country, colleges and universities are being challenged—and correctly so—to do more to fight racism and intolerance and prejudice, and to promote diversity and inclusion. The pain being felt here has existed in this country and world for too long. We, including Lewis & Clark, have much more to do.

Lewis & Clark has made progress on its diversity and inclusion efforts in the past five years—from the accomplishments of our Committee on Diversity and Inclusion (CDI) to our Department of Inclusion and Multicultural Engagement (IME) and more. Yesterday, I attended the Exploration & Discovery Steering Committee open forum on the E&D curriculum and it was an excellent discussion. This morning, the CDI is meeting. We all can and must do more. I am asking for our Committee on Diversity and Inclusion to prepare an action plan to present to me in the first quarter of 2016. That plan will guide our future efforts.

We will make a difference together.

We deeply appreciate the leadership of our students, faculty and staff, alumni, and others and the many constructive suggestions from people throughout our community.

Thank you for your passion, for your action, and for your civil discourse. While we have a holiday break coming up, this work will continue when we resume classes next week and into the future.

Sincerely, 

Barry Glassner President and Professor

 

5:10 P.M., November 23, 2015

In the past 24 hours, a Facebook page was created by individuals identifying themselves as the LC White Student Union. As soon as the page came into existence, students, staff, and members of the community voiced their concerns. We do not know who is behind this page, which apparently was created on Sunday, November 22, 2015. It is not recognized as an official group at Lewis & Clark College, and its creation was not sanctioned by school officials.

Often when there are racially charged activities in the news, racists and trolls use these moments to fan the flames, as we have seen here in Portland. An article in the Chronicle of Higher Education,No, Your College Probably Doesn’t Have a ‘White Student Union,’” notes that there have been more than 30 similar “White Student Union” pages created in the past few days, linking themselves to universities and colleges nationwide.

We have taken actions to dissociate this unofficial, unrecognized page from the College and have been in contact with attorneys and Facebook to aid in these efforts.

[Editor’s note: As of November 24, this page had been removed from Facebook.]

 

1:00 P.M., November 23, 2015

We are aware of a serious incident involving an assault on a transgender student on campus early Saturday morning, November 21st. The student is currently physically safe and receiving support. An incident report was filed with the Lewis & Clark Bias Assessment Response Team. However, we have been respecting the student’s request to remain completely anonymous and will not comment at all on the identity of this person. Our Director of Campus Safety contacted the detectives at the Portland Police Bureau Sunday evening about this assault.

At this time, we do not know if this incident is linked to the previously reported assault on that same night. Anyone with information about either assault, including first-person witnesses, is asked to contact Campus Safety (503-768-7777) immediately or Detective Todd Prosser at 503-823-9320, todd.prosser@portlandoregon.gov.

As reported Saturday, we have increased campus security. We have advised students to not walk alone at night, to use the buddy system, and to look out for one another.

Lewis & Clark will not tolerate any behavior that threatens the safety of our community. We must stand together in the fight against oppression, discrimination, and violence of all kinds.

  

3:45 P.M., November 21, 2015

A Message from President Glassner and Dean Gonzalez on an Issue of Community Safety and Concern

Dear Lewis & Clark Parents and Alumni, Recently, there have been some troubling events on campus, and we want to make sure you’re informed with the facts, as we know them, and what we’re doing. Late last night, one of our students who is black was physically assaulted on campus by three white males who have not yet been identified. Our student was treated on scene by medical personnel, returned to his residence hall, and is now physically safe and is being supported on campus by staff and friends. At his request, we are respecting his privacy and not sharing his name.  Earlier this week, some racist posts were made on Yik Yak, a social media network that allows people on or near campus to make anonymous posts. We have chosen not to share those hateful postings here so as not to amplify the message or further empower the poster. We don’t know if these incidents are directly related. We are not dismissing the possibility that the assault is a hate or bias crime, nor are the law enforcement agencies that are investigating the assault. Anyone with information about either of these incidents is encouraged to contact Campus Safety (503-768-7777) or the Portland Police Bureau (Central Precinct, 503-823-0097, or the general non-emergency line at 503-823-3333). In an emergency, call 911 immediately. Information gathered will help to ensure the safety of the entire Lewis & Clark community. We are committed to Lewis & Clark being a safe, welcoming, and equitable place. We will not condone racist rhetoric and violence, discrimination, or hate speech and are fully cooperating with the authorities to identify the people responsible for these recent events. We are, first and foremost, a vibrant educational community of scholars and students. We are engaged in meaningful work, and our classes and activities will continue. We are addressing these incidents in the following ways:

  • Investigating Assault: Portland Police were immediately called to campus and are investigating the assault. As mentioned, we are cooperating fully with these law enforcement officials. We have asked students to call Portland Police or Campus Safety if they have additional information.
  • Investigating Yik Yak Posts: The College is aggressively following up with city leaders and law enforcement to identify the anonymous people posting the troubling, racist messages on Yik Yak.
  • Campus Security: We have increased campus security, hiring additional outside security on campus starting this afternoon. We have advised students to not walk alone at night, to use the buddy system, and to look out for one another.
  • Student Support: Counseling Services are available to all students: undergraduate, graduate, and law. On weekends, students may contact counseling at 503-265-7804. On weekdays during business hours, students may contact the Counseling Service at 503-768-7160. Students living on campus can also seek support through their Resident Advisors and Area Directors.
  • Upcoming Events: We encourage continuing the critical dialogue in positive and respectful ways. There will be an interfaith gathering tomorrow, Sunday, November 22, at 6 p.m. in Agnes Flanagan Chapel. On Monday, November 23, students are invited by the Exploration & Discovery Steering Committee to an open forum on the E&D curriculum. The conversation will be held from 4:45 to 6:15 p.m. in Council Chamber.
  • Ongoing Programs: The institution-wide Committee on Diversity and Inclusion (CDI) is central to our efforts. The members of this group represent the many of us who work on programs and initiatives relating to diversity and inclusion in all aspects of life at Lewis & Clark. Our Department of Inclusion and Multicultural Engagement (IME) is responsible for leading Lewis & Clark’s efforts toward its commitment to a diverse, inclusive, and multicultural campus community. IME engages students, faculty, staff, and community partners to promote an inclusive campus climate; provide academic, social, and programmatic support to students from underrepresented communities; and help students develop a greater understanding of their global citizenship through the intercultural exchange of ideas and traditions.
We want to reiterate that we take these incidents very seriously and are diligently working to ensure the safety and well-being of all of our students and community members. We will provide more information and guidance as it is available. Please visit this page for the latest information:  https://www.lclark.edu/live/news/31639-an-issue-of-community-safety-and-concern.
Feel free to reach out to us with your concerns. Understand, however, that we are focusing our resources on our on-campus community, so our ability to respond to phone calls and inquiries may be delayed.  To ensure the safety of everyone in our community, and to respond to our students’ concerns and needs, our priority is to find the people posting hate speech and the assailants quickly. We will not allow this situation to distract us from our mission of cultivating scholars in an engaging, creative environment. Even as we look forward to a swift and just resolution of these troubling incidents, we recognize this as an opportunity to have difficult but necessary conversations about the society in which we live, and to celebrate the cultural, ethnic, and social diversity of the Lewis & Clark community. For ongoing updates on these matters, please visit The Source.   Sincerely, Barry Glassner, President Anna Gonzalez, Dean of Students

 

10 A.M., November 21, 2015

Our student victim is being cared for, and, at his request, we are respecting his privacy. 

We will have extra counselors available on the CAS campus today. Students wanting to talk to a counselor can either come to the Chapel or call 503-265-7804 and express their interest. 

Additionally, L&C community members may drop by the Agnes Flanagan Chapel between 11 a.m.-2 p.m. for a space to connect with staff and other students. There will be note cards to write your wishes of support for the victim (who wants to remain anonymous), as well as candles to light.

We have secured additional external security at L&C starting tonight.

Fall Ball is continuing as scheduled tonight and extra security will be present there as well.

For L&C members seeking an opportunity to gather in community, tomorrow (Sunday, November 22) at 6 p.m. in the Chapel, there is an already-scheduled Interfaith Gathering. President Glassner and Dean Gonzalez will attend. There will be an opportunity to reflect on what we are thankful for, and to support one another in light of recent events on the campus.

Reminder that this a private campus. We are closed to the media at this time. The media may use the public sidewalks adjacent to campus.

 

3:45 A.M., November 21, 2015

Dear Lewis & Clark Community,

One of our students was physically assaulted in the estate gardens, near the reflecting pool, early Saturday morning. Our student was treated on scene by medical personnel, is now physically safe, and is being supported on campus. At his request, we are respecting his privacy. Portland Police were called to campus and are investigating. The suspects were described as three males. We are not dismissing the possibility that this is a bias crime.

If you have information about this crime, call Campus Safety at 503-768-7777 or call 911.

Please avoid walking alone at night, use the buddy system, look out for one another. Do not confront anyone who you might believe to be a suspect.

Counseling Services are available to all students: undergraduate, graduate, and law. Over the weekend, students may contact counseling at 503-265-7804. On weekdays during business hours, students may contact the Counseling Service at 503-768-7160. Students living on campus can also seek support through their Resident Advisors and Area Directors. Faculty and staff who wish to speak with a counselor are encouraged to contact the Employee Assistance Program at 1-800-433-2320.

We will provide more information and guidance as we have it available to share. Our resources are focused on our on-campus community, so our ability to respond to off-campus phone calls and inquiries is limited.

Sincerely, Anna Gonzalez, Dean of Students