August 14, 2017
Dear Members of the Carnegie Mellon University Community,
Together with so many across the nation and throughout the Carnegie Mellon community, I want to express my shock and outrage at the racist, anti-Semitic, and homophobic hatred and violence that broke out over the weekend in Charlottesville. We must be clear: We condemn this evil. We reject bigotry in all its forms — it has no place in society. We offer our support and sympathy to all who have been harmed by the weekend’s events.
As new students arrive on campus this week, this is an important time to reaffirm that diversity and inclusion have a singular place among the values of this university. A diverse and inclusive community is the foundation for excellence in learning, research, creativity, and human development. Our commitment to that value stands at the center of our mission. I ask all of you to join me in living out that commitment in the year to come, and throughout our time at CMU.
Sincerely,
Farnam Jahanian
Interim President, Carnegie Mellon University