A Message From The President
A Message from President Harring to the Muhlenberg CommunityThursday, January 18, 2024 03:15 PM
Dear Muhlenberg Community:
The U.S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights (OCR) is charged with investigating allegations of discrimination on college campuses. It publishes its list of affected institutions here.
On January 17, Muhlenberg received notice from OCR of a complaint pertaining to the College. We will cooperate fully as OCR does its work. However, at present, we have been provided few details about the complaint and, as OCR notes, “inclusion on the list does not mean that OCR has made a decision about the case.” It is also important to note that anyone over the age of 18, regardless of their affiliation with the College, can file a complaint with OCR and that nearly 100 colleges, universities and school districts have received similar outreach recently.
Muhlenberg College is committed to a safe, equitable, bias-free environment for all students, faculty and staff. The College does not tolerate antisemitism, Islamophobia, xenophobia or any other form of harassment, bigotry or abuse nor any incitement to violence or calls for genocide. If and when there are accusations of conduct violations, these are thoroughly investigated with appropriate actions taken based on the findings. More information about our Title VI training and compliance is available here.
As noted in the community message shared on January 16, a comprehensive range of education and support, as well as opportunities for constructive dialogue, are available to the campus community, including two ad-hoc committees that are being formed this spring to further support a climate of equity, inclusion and dialogue.
We expect our community to engage in respectful dialogue around differences. We do not condone any behavior that seeks to shame or exclude others, or that creates unwelcoming spaces on our campus.
Muhlenberg’s mission compels each of us to engage in well-reasoned discussion on all topics, especially the ones that are most difficult. Let us use this opportunity to grow together as a community.
Sincerely,
President Kathleen Harring
