Update (Nov. 21, 2017) — Prior to the start of classes this morning, university officials found and removed an unauthorized political banner on the Main Campus responding to the banner found last week. An active investigation of the incident is underway.
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(Nov. 19, 2017) — Last week, an incident occurred at UTSA that was intended to divide the Roadrunner community. We want you to know what we know, and to affirm our complete and total rejection of the hatred and intolerance this incident tried to promote.
Late in the dark of night on Tuesday, Nov. 14 or early morning, Wednesday, Nov. 15, a banner was placed on the University Center bridge espousing white nationalist views. A photo was taken and posted on social media. When UTSA staff arrived at work at 7:15 a.m. on Nov. 15 and spotted the banner, they promptly removed it before most students arrived on campus.
The extremist group associated with this banner posted another photo on social media claiming to be a second location at UTSA. In fact, there was only one banner placed on campus. The second photo shows a building with a brick composition that is not found at UTSA.
The same group is targeting other universities around the country using similar messages with the intention of provoking people. Just days before the UTSA incident, it claims to have targeted Northwest Vista College in San Antonio and others across the United States.
There is no reason whatsoever to suggest our students were involved in the UTSA incident. UTSA students are very proud to be at a university whose principles and values are based on inclusion, diversity, tolerance and respect.
We recognize the right of free speech and believe a college campus is the ideal setting for students with differing opinions to engage each other in thought-provoking conversation and different perspectives. At the same time, we unequivocally reject the message of hatred and intolerance.
Over the weekend, university officials worked very closely with student leaders, including SGA President Marcus Thomas, to coordinate a response to the situation. We also received many emails and social media messages from concerned students. Thank you for your quick response affirming that UTSA is a community united against hate.
President Taylor Eighmy and UTSA leadership are fully engaged in this situation and stand with our students in supporting the principles that make UTSA such a welcoming community.
We encourage more campus dialogue and remain united in our shared belief that hate will not divide the Roadrunner community.
