August 29, 2005 -- The University's Board of Visitors joins other members of the University community in condemning the recent spate of racial insults directed toward our students. As President Casteen has stated, these incidents are vicious and the perpetrators - whoever they may be - do not represent the values of mutual trust and respect that our community is built upon.

We commend the ways in which the community has come together to voice its outrage and to support the students who were affected.

As the police and other officials work on these cases, I encourage the study body, faculty and staff to find renewed purpose in what we stand for. The strength and values of the community will ultimately outweigh the base actions of those who seek to spread hatred, fear, and intolerance.

The Board will continue to support President Casteen and every member of the University. We are deeply committed to diversity and are united with you as a community that values learning, mutual respect, and the worth of each and every individual.