Chancellor responds to act of vandalism

11.16.11

Nov. 17 update: The campus Police Department announced Thursday (Nov. 17) that, as a result of an investigation, officers had identified and interviewed a suspect in the incident of vandalism to a yellow ribbon that had been tied around a tree as part of a Veterans Day tribute on the Quad.

The suspect admitted his involvement and provided a full, handwritten confession, according to police. The student, who was not identified, said he thought the ribbons were for a different event on campus, and that he was making an "ironic statement as part of his artistic endeavors."

As a result of the investigation, police determined that the act did not meet the criteria of a hate crime or hate incident under state or federal law. The case is now being referred to Student Judicial Affairs.

Police added that the message was found on only one ribbon, and it was not in proximity to any building or gathering spot that would indicate that the message targeted a specific group.

To the UC Davis Community:

Many of you might have already read or heard about a recent incident on our campus that is now being investigated as a possible hate incident.
 
On Sunday, November 13, during the UC systemwide Student of Color Conference, an unknown individual vandalized one of the Veterans Day yellow ribbons tied around a tree on the quad, writing on it, "USE ME AS A NOOSE." As one of our students rightly noted, the historical background related to the use of nooses and their racist implications are well known.

We do not know if the person who scrawled this offensive graffiti knew about the three-day conference on our campus. But it is particularly disturbing that such an act of intolerance should occur at a time when the campus community is working to create a safe and inviting space for all our students. In fact, this was just the latest in a recent series of distressing incidents of hate and bias on our campus since the start of the fall quarter.
 
We know these are very stressful times for our students and for the entire UC Davis community. Especially during these difficult times, we believe it is important to remember that while written and spoken words might challenge our beliefs and perspectives, words and actions that seek to promote hatred or to degrade any particular individual or group is an affront to all in our community.
 
Indeed, our "Principles of Community" constitute one of the most distinctive features of UC Davis. They represent the ideals of expression and interaction that we as university citizens seek to uphold. They can be read at:
http://occr.ucdavis.edu/poc/
 
Expressions of hate, intolerance and incivility have no place in a university community that prides itself on educating the brightest minds and future leaders of tomorrow. Such behavior is not only inconsistent with the goals of our Principles of Community, but in many instances is criminal, as well. We strongly encourage all members of our community to engage in dialogue rather than confrontation, to exchange ideas rather than shout slogans and slurs, and to be respectful and inclusive of others.
 
While much has already been accomplished, clearly there is much more work that needs to be done. A civil and respectful community necessitates the support and commitment of each and every one of us. While these are turbulent economic times, as a campus community, we must all be committed to a safe, welcoming environment that advances our efforts to diversity and excellence at UC Davis.
  
If anyone has information concerning the Nov. 13 incident, please contact UC Davis Police Sgt. Don Malloy at (530) 752-3278. In addition, any incidents of hate and bias on campus can and should be reported through the UC Systemwide Hate and Bias Reporting System:
https://ucsystems.ethicspointvp.com/custom/ucs_ccc/default.asp

Sincerely,

Linda P.B. Katehi
Chancellor, UC Davis