Faculty Resources and Guidance for Supporting Students

March 27, 2026

Dear Colleagues,

The University continues to respond to student reports of racist and threatening language, as well as disturbing behaviors seen and heard during recent on-campus and off-campus events. I am writing to provide additional context and resources to support you as you work with students in response to these recent incidents, and as part of ongoing communication following the President’s message shared after Spring Break. Reports of additional racialized incidents in the past 24 hours make clear that this situation is ongoing and continues to affect members of our campus community.

Some of these racist and discriminatory comments have been posted anonymously through the Fizz app, which functions differently from many other social media platforms. While the app is not sanctioned or endorsed by the University, users are required to provide a university-issued email address to join, which allows them to interact within a feed tied to their college or university. Because of this, students who use the app see racist or discriminatory posts that are anonymous, but are likely coming from a fellow student (or recent student). This conduct has left some students feeling both physically and psychologically unsafe on campus, including in classroom settings.

Students have emphasized that these incidents are not isolated experiences of racist or discriminatory behavior on campus. We are working to determine how to address and ensure both the physical and psychological safety of students through their day-to-day campus experience. Students have asked that faculty recognize that the impact of this may continue throughout the semester, and that some students may need ongoing care and support.

In your interactions with students, be mindful not to place expectations on them to share or explain their experiences. When appropriate, you might ask what support they need and reinforce that they do not have to navigate this on their own. You can also be clear that racist or discriminatory behavior is not acceptable and address it directly if it occurs in your classroom.

Resources and opportunities to engage are included below for those who would like additional guidance in supporting students. If a student shares something specific about a physical threat, please report it immediately to Campus Security and Public Safety (CSPS), or report any discriminatory or harassing incidents to the Office of Inclusive Excellence.

Student Support Resources

Upcoming Opportunities for Learning and Engagement

  • Unity Alliance of Cultural Clubs (UACC) Panel on Campus Climate – You are invited to attend a special UACC session on April 10th from 12:15–1:15 p.m., featuring a panel of BSU and cultural club leaders who will share perspectives on recent events following the February 21 BSU Dinner and reflect on their experiences of campus climate. This session is intended to support awareness and foster empathy and solidarity across the campus community. The meeting will be held in the Hemmingson Auditorium, with livestream and recording available for internal access. No registration is required. A light lunch will be provided.
  • Equity and Belonging Summit – April 14th. Multiple session options will be available for faculty and staff, focused on fostering a culturally aware and inclusive learning environment. These sessions will include practical strategies to support students and respond to concerns related to bias and belonging. Lunch will be provided. Session descriptions are available here. Please register here to support food planning and space needs.

A Presidential Task Force, including representatives from many offices within the Provost Division, was formed in early March to provide a coordinated, University-wide response to this situation. We will continue to share updates as that work continues. Students and staff are also receiving messages about the recent incidents and support resources.

Thank you for your care, attention, and commitment to our students.

Sincerely,

Mia Bertagnolli, Ph.D.
Interim Provost