SUNY Cortland President addresses Charlottesville violence

Erik Bitterbaum

SUNY Cortland President Erik J. Bitterbaum sent the following email message to the College community on Monday, after a weekend rally by right-wing extremists in Charlottesville, Va. turned violent:

To Members of the SUNY Cortland Community,

The deadly violence that erupted during a gathering of white supremacist and neo-Nazi groups in Charlottesville, Va., this past weekend shocked the world and cast a shadow of uncertainty and fear over the nation.

As we all prepare for a new semester at SUNY Cortland, I want to reassure all of you – students, faculty, staff, parents and alumni – that SUNY Cortland remains committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and caring environment where all people are respected and can share their unique experiences and perspectives.  We are a community that values and promotes diversity, civil discourse and open minds. We do NOT tolerate hateful speech or actions toward any individual or group of people.

We extend sympathy to all those impacted by this tragedy, and encourage anyone affected to access campus resources. Students are encouraged to access confidential services available through the Counseling and Student Development Center: (http://www2.cortland.edu/offices/student-development-center/ ). College employees may access services available through our Employee Assistance program. Further, when you witness or hear of bias-related incidents and/or hate crimes, I urge you to speak out. Tell someone. There are many reporting options, including confidential options, on campus. Please refer to the resource links below.

• University Police Department  http://www2.cortland.edu/offices/university-police-department/
• Human Resources  http://www2.cortland.edu/hr/
• Multicultural Life and Diversity Office  http://www2.cortland.edu/multicultural/
• Student Conduct Office  http://www2.cortland.edu/offices/judaffairs/
• Title IX Office  http://www2.cortland.edu/titleix/

We are fortunate to live in a country that honors freedom of speech.  However, that privilege should not be interpreted as an opportunity to be uncivil or demeaning to others. Stated simply, we must treat each and every person with respect and kindness.

SUNY Cortland, like the United States as a whole, is strengthened by the diversity of our students, faculty and staff. Tragedies such as last weekend’s events in Charlottesville help to underscore the values we hold dear. I wish you all a peaceful end of summer and look forward to welcoming you to campus.

All the best,

Erik J. Bitterbaum

President