From the President

Thursday, January 19, 2017

The thoughtless and insensitive post this week by four OSU students strengthens the university’s resolve to provide an inclusive environment that is respectful and welcoming to persons of all backgrounds. The university met with the students at the first opportunity and discussed the consequences of their action. I was pleased to receive their apology letter.

As an institution of higher learning, we are taking additional steps to make this a teachable moment for the four students. But this should also be an opportunity for each of us to learn and grow. We will use this occurrence to reiterate and reinforce to the campus that any behavior, language or symbols representing or reflecting intolerance or discrimination has absolutely no place at OSU.

We still have work to do in addressing the matters of inclusion, diversity and equality. Each member of the Cowboy Family has a responsibility to contribute to our diverse culture in a positive way and make OSU a better, more inclusive university.

 

Student Statement

On the evening of January 16, 2017, Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, an Instagram photo was posted that has caused emotional distress to many individuals. The photo quickly spread throughout the internet, and while it was never our intention to cause harm, we take full responsibility for the impact of this situation. We understand and regret that this reflects poorly on the reputation of Oklahoma State University. Our actions were thoughtless and harmful. We also now see how easily social media can cause heartache and pain. We would like to extend our sincerest apologies to our entire OSU family and beyond as well as genuinely ask for your forgiveness.