Posts by Persis Drell

August 4, 2019

This week’s shootings in America

Like all of you, surely, we both are struggling to comprehend the horrible incidents of gun violence that have occurred in the United States – first in Gilroy, Calif., a week ago; and this weekend in El Paso, Texas, and in Dayton, Ohio.

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July 26, 2019

Update on noose incident

As you know, many people in our community have been working through the emotional distress associated with the recent report of a noose on campus. There have been a number of positive steps in recent days, involving people coming together in solidarity and support for one another. We want to express our thanks to those in our community who have been leading these efforts to promote discussion and healing.

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July 17, 2019

Concerning incident on campus

As many of you have seen in news reports, this weekend Stanford’s Department of Public Safety responded to a report of what was described as a noose near a residence for summer students. We take this matter very seriously, and DPS is currently investigating the incident. If additional evidence comes to light, it may be… Read more Concerning incident on campus

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May 15, 2019

Advancing diversity and inclusion at Stanford

One of our most important university-wide goals is to promote diversity and inclusion. We want to ensure that diversity of thought, experience and approach is represented in all aspects of our education and research mission and that a diversity of cultures, races and ethnicities, genders, beliefs, abilities and identities is thriving on our campus.

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March 21, 2019

An update on the admissions fraud scheme

We are writing to provide a further update to our community on the steps Stanford is taking to respond to the recent admissions fraud scheme. We know that this episode has jarred the trust of many Americans in the college admissions process, and it has prompted many questions from the Stanford community. We are determined to take the right steps at Stanford to ensure the integrity of our process and to work toward rebuilding that trust.

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March 21, 2019

On the ‘free inquiry’ executive order

At Stanford we have had a longstanding commitment to freedom of expression. Universities must foster environments that promote open campus discussion.

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March 15, 2019

Our unwavering support

We write to express our shock and deep sorrow following today’s attack on two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand. Our profound sympathies and support go out to the families and loved ones of the victims, and to all members of the Muslim community in New Zealand and around the world.

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March 12, 2019

The sailing case, and our resolve

Let us be clear: The conduct reported in this case is absolutely contrary to Stanford’s values, and to the norms this university has lived by for decades. Today’s news is a shock exactly because it so clearly violates our institutional expectations for ethical conduct.

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March 7, 2019

In support of our community

As our country works to both advance innovation and protect national security, let us also make sure to reject prejudice and discrimination in all their forms.

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February 17, 2019

This evening's community alert

The Stanford Department of Public Safety issued a community alert this evening about two reported sexual assaults and an unwanted sexual encounter, possibly an attempted sexual assault, that were reported to have occurred on our campus this weekend. We are distressed to hear these reports, and we hope that the victims will come forward to allow both the university and the police to investigate.

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