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May 4, 2026
Dear Gonzaga Community:
We are writing to address recent incidents that have caused deep concern and pain within our community and that call us, once again, to reflect on who we are and who we are called to be as a Catholic, Jesuit university.
Last week, racist and antisemitic messages were drawn on a dusty vehicle in our campus parking garage. This conduct is wholly unacceptable. It stands in direct opposition to our commitment to the inherent dignity and worth of every person. We condemn this behavior unequivocally.
This incident is under active investigation. Security footage shows four individuals who appear to be of traditional college age; however, their identities and whether they are members of the Gonzaga community is currently unknown. Gonzaga Campus Security and Public Safety (CSPS) are reviewing all available information and a report has been filed with the Spokane Police Department. We will pursue accountability should the individuals be identified as members of the University. Upon learning of the incident, we contacted the owner of the vehicle, as well as leaders of the Black Student Union (BSU) and Jewish Student Union (JSU), to offer resources and support. Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact CSPS at 509-313-2222.
We share the hurt and alarm many in our community are feeling as incidents like this continue to occur. While in this most recent incident the harm is felt most acutely by members of our Black and Jewish communities, others in marginalized groups have also been targeted by acts of bias, threats, or racism. When such acts persist, they deepen pain, erode trust, and undermine the sense of safety every member of our community deserves.
As the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops reminds us in their pastoral letter Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love, “Every racist act—every such comment, every joke, every disparaging look as a reaction to the color of skin, ethnicity, or place of origin—is a failure to acknowledge another person as a brother or sister, created in the image of God.” These words challenge us to examine not only individual actions, but also the broader culture we create together.
Additional incidents last week highlighted the tensions that exist on our campus and in our broader society. While we are committed to fostering an environment where difficult ideas and different perspectives can be discussed with genuine listening and honest reflection, conduct that becomes profane or personal does not reflect the values of dignity, respect, and care that we are called to uphold. Catholic Social Teaching reminds us that how we treat one another, particularly in moments of disagreement or deep frustration, is a measure of our commitment to the common good.
We are not treating these matters as isolated incidents. The Presidential Task Force on Accompaniment, Safety and Belonging continues its work to examine and improve the systems, practices, and culture that shape students’ lived experiences, with a focus on meaningful, long-term change that will strengthen safety, belonging, and care across our University. This work will continue through the summer, with updates being posted monthly on the Task Force website.
As we enter the final week of the semester and prepare to celebrate our graduates at Commencement, we have an opportunity — and an obligation — to model the unity and shared purpose we hope our students will carry with them. Celebrating the hard work, growth, and achievements lies at the heart of our Mission, as our graduates go on to lead, serve, and effect change in the world.
We are reminded in both the Book of Leviticus (19:18) and the Gospel of Matthew (22:39) that “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Even in moments of frustration and pain, we are called to respond with courage, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to the dignity of every person. Together, let us continue the work becoming the community we say we are, and the community we all deserve.
With resolve and care,
Katia Passerini, President
Mia Bertagnolli, Interim Provost
Kurt Heimbigner, Interim Chief Marketing and Communications Officer
Erin Kastberg, Vice President, General Counsel
Robin Kelley, Chief Diversity Officer
Ray Kliewer, Vice President for Human Resources
Ellen Maccarone, Vice President for Mission Integration
Kevin Browne, Interim Senior Vice President, Enrollment Management
Chuck Murphy, Chief Strategy Officer
Kent Porterfield, Vice Provost for Student Affairs
Joe Poss, Interim Chief of Staff & Vice President/Chief Advancement Officer
John Sklut, Senior Advisor to the President, Liaison for External and Government Affairs
Joe Smith, Chief Financial Officer
Chris Standiford, Athletic Director
Borre Ulrichsen, Chief Information Officer