TO: Campus Community
FR: Jerlena Griffin-Desta, Vice President for Diversity and Strategic Initiatives
Karen Moranski, Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost
Wm. Gregory Sawyer, Vice President for Student Affairs
Nader Oweis, Chief, University Police Department
We are deeply disturbed and saddened by a racist and bigoted Zoom hijacking incident that occurred today during a virtual event that was part of Sonoma State’s Black History Month program.
While we will refrain from sharing details of what occurred, because we refuse to provide these cowardly bigoted individuals the platform they seek, we do want to acknowledge the harm done to our Black community members and others who were present. Marginalized communities are too often forced to bear such hatred and moments like this wound deeply.
As Seawolves, an attack on one of us is an attack on us all. We strongly condemn racism and acts of bigotry, and we will continue to stand together as one NOMA NATION and show that our community will not tolerate hate-filled words and actions.
Sonoma State’s University's Police Department, Information Technology Department, and the Division of Student Affairs are investigating this racist incident with the seriousness it deserves.
Additionally, SSU’s Counseling and Psychological Services are available to any student seeking support at (707) 664-2153. Our Employee Assistance Program, LifeMatters by Empathia, is available to support staff and faculty.
If you have any information about this incident, please report it immediately to the Sonoma State Police Department at 707-664-4444.
Our thanks go to those who worked so hard during this virtual event to ensure a healthy, positive conversation continued despite racist attempts to disrupt it. We are a community that has committed itself to racial justice, and we will continue celebrating our Black community members and Blackness in America—this meaningful work continues.