April 21, 2017 

As part of Cleveland State University’s ongoing efforts in response to hateful statements by individuals affiliated with CSU that recently came to light, please allow me to share with you this update.

Through a third party, we learned on April 6 of tweets containing hateful statements, posted over a five-year span from the personal social media accounts of individuals identified as CSU students. These offensive tweets ran counter to the spirit of inclusiveness that is central to the identity of our campus community.

An internal investigation into this matter was launched immediately. We determined that several of the individuals responsible for the tweets are not CSU students, and that several others graduated and are no longer affiliated with CSU.

We also verified the involvement of several current CSU students. Beginning last week, we initiated a series of individual meetings with each student to address the issue. To date, these conversations have been productive. Our goal is to speak with every student involved, and we seek to finish these meetings in the coming week.

In addition to these meetings, we convened a group of key student organizations to discuss potential opportunities for improving campus dialogue and enhancing a safe and supportive environment for all. In consort with these student organizations, we are planning a broader campus event for the fall, to address civility and inclusion.

CSU is committed to an open and diverse campus community in which all individuals feel included and respected. We will continue to proactively monitor and address hateful speech that runs counter to the values of this institution.

Sincerely, 

Ronald M. Berkman
President
Cleveland State University

April 14, 2017

In follow up to my statement last week, I want to update the campus community on our response to the posting of tweets by a third party containing hateful statements by individuals affiliated with Cleveland State University.

Upon verification of student records, we learned that several of the individuals identified in the tweets are not CSU students and several more have graduated and left CSU. For the students who are currently enrolled, the university has begun a series of individual meetings with each student identified to address the issue. To date, these meetings have resulted in constructive conversations, and we will continue them until we have spoken to every student involved.

We also convened a group of affected student organizations on April 7, which identified potential opportunities to improve campus dialogue and enhance a safe and supportive environment for all. Further outcomes from these meetings will be shared with the campus community when complete.

I would like to reiterate that CSU is committed to an open and diverse campus community in which all individuals feel included and respected. CSU will continue to proactively monitor and address hateful speech that runs counter to the values of this institution. 

Sincerely, 

Ronald M. Berkman
President
Cleveland State University

April 7, 2017

We were made aware on April 6 of a third party that posted tweets containing hateful statements from individuals identified as Cleveland State University students. The tweets were posted between 2011 and 2016. While the posts were made from personal social media accounts and are not connected to CSU in any way, we do not condone or tolerate hateful statements under any circumstances on our campus. We are currently evaluating the situation and will take appropriate action to ensure a safe environment for all members of our community. We are committed to an inclusive campus environment that respects the dignity of everyone.

Sincerely, 

Ronald M. Berkman
President
Cleveland State University