May 20, 2021: Fran’s House Incident Update

Dear Bucknellians,

I write to update you on our response to the May 13 incident that took place at Tower House, the home of the Fran's House affinity group. I extend my deepest thanks to our faculty, staff and students for the outpouring of support shown for Fran's House students and their broader community. I had the opportunity to spend time with these students on Monday evening, and they expressed their appreciation for the solidarity and support shown by their peers and Bucknell employees. I am grateful for the way you have offered your concern and care. 

Investigation
As I shared with you on May 14, we determined that an outside firm would be best positioned to conduct the investigation. The University has engaged an independent law firm from Philadelphia, Cozen O'Connor, whose investigators have specialized expertise reviewing incidents on college and university campuses. Given the significant number of individuals involved in the incident, including Bucknell employees, and the limited timeframe, hiring an outside firm was the most efficient, effective and equitable approach to the fact-finding process. Cozen O'Connor is conducting a thorough investigation of events related to the incident involving the students, as well as the Public Safety response. 

Prior to the start of the investigation, we provided notice of the incident to the Union County District Attorney.

Process
The end of finals week as well as Commencement are nearly upon us. Because of this and the fact that many who appear to be involved are graduating seniors, there is considerable pressure within the community to finish the investigation, and deliver appropriate responses, in the next few days. While I fully understand this sentiment, we have an obligation to be both thorough and fair in carrying out our processes. More than 40 individuals have been interviewed by Cozen O'Connor in the past 72 hours to provide a summary of facts related to the incident. Ultimately, any consequences for conduct identified through those interviews will be determined by Bucknell, and we are also mindful of the relevant timeframes. 

Timing and Information 
Given the amount of information being collected and processed, and the delineated procedures and timelines that we will follow per the Student Handbook, it is not possible that every action step in response to this incident will be completed prior to Commencement as we work to ensure a thorough and fair investigation while determining our institutional responses.  

I will continue to be as candid as I am able regarding these circumstances, recognizing that there are privacy issues and legal protections related to disclosure of specific student information and personnel actions that limit my ability to share certain details. To the extent that responsive action may include changes in Bucknell policy, practices, protocols or other institutional changes, I will share those details with the community as soon as I am able.

A Pause for Reflection
I want to acknowledge the messages that I and others have received regarding this incident. We greatly appreciate your concern for our students and the institution. Though emotions are understandably high, I can only ask for your continued understanding of the process and, more importantly, that we all reflect on the experiences of Bucknellians who identify with groups that have traditionally been marginalized. 

Ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for all is central to who we seek to become as a university. As president, I apologized to Fran's House residents for what happened to them, while in their home; here, I state that we must, as individuals and a community, do better. Quite simply, we must be allies to all, demonstrate the inclusivity and values that we claim to espouse, and hold accountable those whose behavior undermines these foundational principles of community. The lived experience of many at Bucknell — and this is not limited to students — is an important factor in understanding the impact of what took place last Thursday evening.

Please watch for information on plans for campus engagement on our commitment to diversity and respect for all members of the Bucknell community in the fall semester. Together, we will send a clear message to the world that Bucknell University is a place where equity can thrive, and that a transgression against one of us is a transgression against us all. 

My best,

John