Summer Status Report from the Presidential Task Force on Accompaniment, Safety, and Belonging

September 10, 2026

Dear Gonzaga Community:

Today, we are sharing the Summer 2026 Status Report of the Presidential Task Force on Accompaniment, Safety, and Belonging.

For members of our community who joined Gonzaga this fall, including more than 1,300 first-year and transfer students, new faculty and staff, the Task Force was established last spring in response to reports of racial incidents that led many students to raise concerns about belonging, safety, accountability, and campus climate. In response, we committed to listening carefully, engaging broadly across our community, and taking meaningful action consistent with our Jesuit, Catholic mission and values.

Racism and harassment are unacceptable and incompatible with the mission of our University and will not be tolerated: they do not represent the values that must characterize our community. Individuals found to be responsible of harassment, discrimination, and racism will be held accountable.

The incidents reported last spring were addressed through the University's established review and student conduct processes, which have now concluded. Because federal privacy laws protect the privacy of student records, the University cannot comment on individual cases or outcomes. We can, however, confirm that the matters were processed consistent with University policies and procedures.

The Task Force has continued its work over the summer with dedication and purpose. While the summer report details a wide range of initiatives and progress across the University, what matters most is the direction we are moving together. We strengthened accountability and compliance systems, integrated inclusion and belonging work across all parts of the University, improved communication, expanded opportunities for community-building, and continued important conversations about how we care for one another. This work is not about checking off a list of tasks, it is about building a culture where every member of our community knows they are valued, supported, and able to thrive. The task force work will continue through the fall semester.

These efforts were established in collaboration with student leaders, whose partnership, insight, and advocacy have been essential in guiding decisions and ensuring that student perspectives remain central to this work. Their dedicated service has strengthened the Task Force’s efforts to build a culture of belonging for all students, staff, and faculty here at Gonzaga University. We are grateful for their continued engagement and leadership as we move forward together as a community.  We encourage you to review the Summer 2026 Status Report on the Presidential Task Force website, where you can also find a summary of the work accomplished to date and stories about diversity, inclusion, and belonging at Gonzaga.

While important progress has been made, this work continues across the entire institution. We remain committed to moving forward together as a Gonzaga University community, committed to dignity, safety, accountability, belonging, and care for one another. 

Sincerely,