Good afternoon,
Today, I am updating the campus community following communication with Norfolk State on the University's investigation into the report of a racial slur directed at a Norfolk State player by an Illinois State fan sitting courtside at our men's basketball game on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at Horton Fieldhouse. That investigation has concluded, and I'd like to share our process and findings.
As I've previously shared, Illinois State has a zero-tolerance policy for acts of racism, including racial slurs and other offensive language targeting people for their background or identity, and fully reviews all claims. History shows us that incidents like this have happened far too often in many public spaces, without accountability or appropriate repercussions. It is important to me and our entire campus community that such behavior is not only called out as unacceptable, but also redressed. As such, this claim was immediately elevated beyond Athletics to Illinois State's Ethics Office for a full investigation.
Over the last month and a half, Illinois State's Ethics Officer and university staff spent hours reviewing all available video and audio recordings. The available footage included full broadcast files from ESPN+ and WJBC Radio/Redbird Sports Properties, as well as raw footage from ESPN+ cameras.
From these video sources, along with the lead official's game report, game operations plan, and seating diagrams, the Ethics Office identified more than 50 individuals in the general vicinity of the alleged incident or associated with game operations, including game officials, media, Norfolk State student-athletes, ISU student-athletes, ISU staff, and spectators.
Of those identified, the investigation received statements from 47 individuals, with only Norfolk State declining to participate. We can appreciate and share common ground with Norfolk State in its desire to move forward and focus on positive and progressive outcomes that will continue to uplift its student-athletes. As final requests for statements and interviews are now complete, the Illinois State University Ethics Office has moved to officially close the investigation.
While the investigation was unable to verify the use of a racial slur, Illinois State remains committed to promoting an open and inclusive campus community where all people feel welcomed, valued, and respected. It is our goal as a university to move forward with a renewed effort to promote and encourage practices on our campus that help us demonstrate that commitment, including those outlined in Illinois State's Event Code of Conduct, the Athletics Code of Sportsmanship, and the Missouri Valley Conference Sportsmanship Standards of Conduct.
Sincerely,
Aondover Tarhule, Ph.D.
Interim President
Today, I am updating the campus community following communication with Norfolk State on the University's investigation into the report of a racial slur directed at a Norfolk State player by an Illinois State fan sitting courtside at our men's basketball game on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at Horton Fieldhouse. That investigation has concluded, and I'd like to share our process and findings.
As I've previously shared, Illinois State has a zero-tolerance policy for acts of racism, including racial slurs and other offensive language targeting people for their background or identity, and fully reviews all claims. History shows us that incidents like this have happened far too often in many public spaces, without accountability or appropriate repercussions. It is important to me and our entire campus community that such behavior is not only called out as unacceptable, but also redressed. As such, this claim was immediately elevated beyond Athletics to Illinois State's Ethics Office for a full investigation.
Over the last month and a half, Illinois State's Ethics Officer and university staff spent hours reviewing all available video and audio recordings. The available footage included full broadcast files from ESPN+ and WJBC Radio/Redbird Sports Properties, as well as raw footage from ESPN+ cameras.
From these video sources, along with the lead official's game report, game operations plan, and seating diagrams, the Ethics Office identified more than 50 individuals in the general vicinity of the alleged incident or associated with game operations, including game officials, media, Norfolk State student-athletes, ISU student-athletes, ISU staff, and spectators.
Of those identified, the investigation received statements from 47 individuals, with only Norfolk State declining to participate. We can appreciate and share common ground with Norfolk State in its desire to move forward and focus on positive and progressive outcomes that will continue to uplift its student-athletes. As final requests for statements and interviews are now complete, the Illinois State University Ethics Office has moved to officially close the investigation.
While the investigation was unable to verify the use of a racial slur, Illinois State remains committed to promoting an open and inclusive campus community where all people feel welcomed, valued, and respected. It is our goal as a university to move forward with a renewed effort to promote and encourage practices on our campus that help us demonstrate that commitment, including those outlined in Illinois State's Event Code of Conduct, the Athletics Code of Sportsmanship, and the Missouri Valley Conference Sportsmanship Standards of Conduct.
Sincerely,
Aondover Tarhule, Ph.D.
Interim President
