March 26, 2015: An Urgent Community Message

Dear Bucknellians,

Today I learned of a situation in which Bucknell students used racist and violent language during a radio program that aired on WVBU last Friday night. Such behavior is unacceptable and inexcusable.

An investigation of this incident is underway and the individuals involved have been temporarily suspended from Bucknell. It may be that other participants are identified throughout the course of the investigation. All will be held fully accountable for their actions, with possible sanctions up to and including expulsion.

This is not who we are. In fact, it is the antithesis of what so many of our students, faculty and staff are working hard to attain — a more diverse and inclusive environment. I urge you to defy this detestable conduct by not letting it thwart our progress toward a greater Bucknell.

I am deeply saddened for the pain this will cause in our community. We are better than this.

John