On behalf of the entire University of Utah administration, we are writing to underscore the U’s unwavering commitment to be an inclusive, respectful, and safe community where people of all backgrounds and perspectives are welcome.

We share the sentiment Governor Gary Herbert expressed last week, “In Utah, we care about each other. As a community, we need to come together in supportive and safe environments. We encourage students to reach out in friendship and support to others, including those who may look, sound, or think differently than themselves. As a nation, we need more kindness, and we believe Utah can lead the way.” There is no place on our campus for discriminatory behavior. We will, of course, differ on many matters in the public sphere, but this must not include anything that fails to recognize our common humanity.

We are committed to supporting all of our students, and we invite you to join with us and many others in the administration and faculty who are contributing to student scholarships, including a new fund for DREAMers. There are many ways to assist students, through the university (contact the development office at 801-585-0745) and through community organizations of your choice.

Finally, we are committed to enhancing physical safety, including more outdoor lighting and additional security cameras in parking lots and other public spaces. Anyone who would like a security escort while on campus should call 801-585-2677. Our public safety professionals will continue to seek ways to promote safety. We can all assist by immediately reporting possible criminal activity, and by contacting appropriate administrators if we, or those for whom we are responsible, feel threatened or at risk.

All of us in the University of Utah community have the opportunity to come together in a spirit of respect that advances our core values as an institution of higher learning.