The Quinnipiac student who posted a photo of another student wearing a black cosmetic face mask with the caption "Black Lives Matter" is no longer a "member of the university community."
On Tuesday, Quinnipiac University condemned the "racially offensive" photo shared on social media.
"The university takes this matter very seriously and acted swiftly to discipline those responsible for the offensive photo," the university said in a statement. "This incident does not reflect the true nature of our university, where we have a long history of zero tolerance for any acts of racism, hatred or bigotry."
The school said the student shown in the photo was not deemed responsible for posting the photo or its content. However, the student who took the photograph and added the "racially offensive remark" as the caption is no longer a student at the school.
"I ask that all members of our community learn from this experience and work together in ways to enhance our understanding and appreciation for one another. I also encourage your participation in various programming and opportunities that support our values associated with diversity and inclusion," executive vice president and provost Mark A. Thompson said on Wednesday.
On Monday, someone who identified themselves as a Quinnipiac student shared a photo of a girl with a black substance smeared on her face, captioned with the phrase "Black Lives Matter."
"I'm livid, I'm hurt and more importantly, I'm empowered to do something," the student wrote about the posted photo. "I am a black student and I should feel comfortable on my own campus."
Local
A source with knowledge of the incident said the roommate of the person pictured took the photo, wrote the caption and posted it to social media.
The provost met with the students on Tuesday night to discuss the incident.
An email sent to Quinnipiac students read:
Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,
I am deeply troubled to learn of a recent incident in which a racially offensive photo of one of our students was posted on social media. This incident is clearly not reflective of our values as a university community. Please know the university has acted swiftly to discipline the individual responsible for this action.
I believe this is an opportunity for all of us to reaffirm our long standing commitment to diversity, inclusion and creating an environment that is supportive and respectful of all of its members.
I want to thank the students, faculty and staff for continuing to support and participate in our various efforts around diversity and inclusion on our three campuses.
Mark Thompson
Executive Vice President and Provost
