Presidential Task Force Charge and Membership

During the spring 2026 semester, the University received reports from students about racist and threatening language as well as disturbing behavior experienced at on- and off-campus events, online, and even in the classroom. This has left many students feeling unsafe and unwelcome in our Gonzaga community. Racist words and actions are antithetical to Gonzaga’s Mission as a Catholic, Jesuit, humanistic institution of higher learning where all are welcomed and valued.

Task Force Charge

To address these reports and work toward meaningful, lasting change, President Katia Passerini launched the Presidential Task Force on Accompaniment, Safety and Belonging in early March, 2026. The task force is charged with:

  • Providing immediate and ongoing care, communication, and safety support to students impacted by racial harm.
  • Partnering with leadership of our Black Student Union (BSU) to address concerns and priorities articulated by students.
  • Identifying and remediating systemic gaps in how the University responds to bias, hate, and racialized harm.
  • Translating commitments into policies, practices, and accountability structures that endure beyond individual incidents or personnel.

Task Force Members

The Task Force is comprised of representatives from many areas of the University, as shown below. It has also been engaging students, faculty, and alumni and community leaders to offer perspective and advance this important work.

President's Office

  • President
  • Chief of Staff

Provost

  • Interim Provost
  • Vice Provost for Student Affairs (Task Force Chair)
  • Acting Associate Provost for Faculty Affairs
  • Dean, Social Justice Leadership & Community Empowerment
  • Dean of Student Wellbeing
  • Student Affairs Administration and Operations Officer

Office of Inclusive Excellence

  • Chief Diversity Officer
  • Assistant Vice President of Diversity
  • Director, Harassment and Discrimination Prevention and Title IX Coordinator

Office of Mission Integration

  • Vice President of Mission Integration

Office of General Counsel

  • Acting General Counsel

Athletics

  • Senior Associate Athletic Director/External Operations, Athletics Diversity and Inclusion Designee

Human Resources

  • Vice President for Human Resources
  • Interim Director, Campus Security and Public Safety

Marketing and Communications

  • Interim Chief Marketing & Communications Officer
  • Senior Director of Strategic Communications

Continuing the Work

Learn more information about the University's ongoing response.