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Presidential Task Force on Accompaniment, Safety & Belonging

A University United Against Racism

Our Guiding Commitment

During the spring 2026 semester, students reported language and behaviors that were racist and threatening at on- and off-campus events. These incidents have left some students, particularly those from historically underrepresented and marginalized communities, feeling unsafe and unwelcome in our Gonzaga community. This is unacceptable, and antithetical to Gonzaga’s Mission as a Catholic, Jesuit, humanistic institution of higher learning where all are welcomed and valued.

Gonzaga is committed to fostering a campus climate where every student experiences respect, dignity, and a true sense of belonging. Racism, harassment, and threats are taken seriously and addressed fairly and as swiftly as possible. Student agency and well-being guide our work as we strive for meaningful, lasting change that strengthens strengthen safety, belonging, and care across our University.

What's Happening Now

On March 5, 2026, President Katia Passerini formed the Presidential Task Force on Accompaniment, Safety and Belonging and charged it with working with students, faculty and staff to address the incidents reported, as well as overarching concerns about safety and campus climate raised by student groups such as the Black Student Union (BSU) and Unity Alliance of Cultural Clubs (UACC).

While the work of the Task Force is ongoing, these actions have already been taken:

  • The appropriate University offices are investigating these recent incidents and any other reported violations of the University’s Harassment and Non-Discrimination Policy and/or Information Technology Use Policy. As with all investigations, if there are any findings of responsibility, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken.
    • Which offices are involved can vary depending on the nature of a specific incident, but typically includes some combination of the Office of Inclusive Excellence (OIE), the Resolution Center for Student Conduct and Conflict, Campus Security & Public Safety, Human Resources and Information Technology Services.
  • OIE has proactively contacted professors of students who reported these incidents to request accommodations and provide support resources.
  • An open report was filed with the Spokane Police Department to gather evidence for a criminal investigation in off-campus incident on February 21, 2026. Victims or witnesses of that incident are able to provide information anonymously by calling Crime Check at 509-456-2233 and providing Report #2026-2003-6444.
  • Task Force members and University administrators have met several times with BSU and UACC student groups, both formally and informally, to hear their experiences, safety concerns and demands.
  • The Information Technology Use Policy has been updated to clarify that University-issued email addresses (e.g. Zagmail) cannot be used to engage in behaviors that violate the law, the Student Code of Conduct or the Policies and Procedures Manual. Using a Gonzaga-issued email address to authenticate to a third-party site, such as the anonymous social media app Fizz, and post inappropriate content is a breach of policy and could result in disciplinary action.
    • Access to Fizz has been blocked from Gonzaga’s network to prevent University resources being used to post racist, threatening and harassing content.
    • While Gonzaga has no affiliation with and does not sanction Fizz, University staff have been collecting and reporting racist, harassing, or threatening posts that violate the app’s policies and community standards. Posts that contain threats of violence or personal attacks will be elevated to local law enforcement immediately.

Continuing the Work

The work of the Task Force will not end with the Spring semester. It is committed to completing the following actions over the summer.

  1. We will post a clear statement that condemns racism and other forms of discrimination on an easily accessible Presidential Task Force web page.
  2. We will make reporting easier for students by developing a “one-stop” reporting location where cases will be routed to the appropriate office(s) for timely follow-up.
  3. We will provide a visual explanation of how accountability works with bias, Title IX, harassment and discrimination reporting, and the range of possible outcomes from Student Code of Conduct violations.
  4. We will reexamine communication protocols to ensure that the Parties involved in bias, harassment and discrimination, or Student Code of Conduct cases, are kept informed through each stage of the respective processes.
  5. We will summarize changes made to the Information Technology Use Policy as they relate to ZagMail email accounts, with an explanation of what happens when the policy is violated.
  6. We will offer student development programs that focus on belonging and community beginning with 2026 New Student Orientation and Fall Welcome Weekend, and will assess the effectiveness of these programs.

This page will continue to evolve as the Task Force work continues, including monthly updates throughout the summer and additional priorities for the Fall semester posted here after Labor Day. Other changes and updates will be added as needed

Making Gonzaga the best it can be, and ensuring every student is heard, respected, and a valued member of our community is work that all of us must do together, proactively and thoughtfully.

How You Can Help

In Case of Emergency

First and foremost, if you feel unsafe or witness an incident in which any member of the Gonzaga community is at physical risk or needing immediate attention, call Campus Security and Public Safety (CSPS) at 509-313-2222 or dial 911.

Report Bias, Harassment and Discrimination

If you are physically safe, but have been a victim of bias, harassment or a hate crime, or if you witness such acts, please report it immediately and anonymously through these tools:

Campus Safety Resources

If you are concerned about your safety on campus or in the immediate vicinity of campus, there are several resources available:

  • If you are facing an immediate threat to life or property, call 911.
  • Security Escort (myGU) – Call 509-313-2222 to request a security escort to any part of campus and portions of the Logan neighborhood.
  • Blue Light Phones (myGU) – Available across campus. Use any of them to reach Campus Security and Public Safety immediately.
  • Rave Guardian app – a user-friendly resource to keep the Gonzaga community safe and informed around campus.
  • Security Patrols – Campus Safety and Public Security officers patrol campus, including inside buildings, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
  • Spokane Police Department (SPD) – If you are off campus and are a victim or witness to a crime, call 911 or Crime Check at 509-456-2233.

Student Care

If you or someone you know is struggling due to racism and/or harassment, please make use of and share links to Gonzaga’s Student Support Resources. This portal offers access and guidance on the various resources available, including the Center for Cura Personalis, Counseling Services, Resolution Center, and University Ministry. Staff from one of these offices will contact you as soon as possible to assist.

Campus Messages