Resources for campus safety and well-being message

October 24, 2023 - Laura Rugless, J.D., and Jabbar R. Bennett, Ph.D.

Colleagues:

In light of recent events, some in our community may feel isolated or have safety concerns. At Michigan State University, we are committed to nurturing an inclusive and welcoming environment. Campus resources are available to assist those affected, and we request your assistance in sharing this information as we collaboratively work to ensure the safety of all Spartans.

  • To request additional security or report a targeted or personal threat distinct from free speech, contact the MSU Department of Police and Public Safety at (517) 355-2221. In an emergency, call or text 911.
  • Students who are experiencing situations that interrupt their academic and campus life can contact the Office of Student Support and Accountability at ossa@msu.edu or by phone at (517) 884-0789.
  • Students seeking mental health resources can visit Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) or call the crisis hotline at (517) 355-8270 and press “1” at the prompt. Staff and faculty are encouraged to visit the Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
  • MSU faculty, staff and students experiencing cyberbullying can visit the Faculty and Academic Staff Affairs resource site for additional support.
  • If you or someone you know has experienced conduct that may violate our Anti-Discrimination Policy or Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct and Title IX Policy, report it to the Office for Civil Rights and Title IX Education and Compliance.
    • The term "hate speech" does not possess a specific legal definition in the United States; nevertheless, it often refers to speech that unfairly belittles or degrades individuals or groups based on attributes such as race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, or gender. While the University firmly condemns this kind of speech, it's vital to understand that there isn't a "hate speech" exception to the First Amendment. "Hate speech" can be protected by constitutional rights, but if it also constitutes a "true threat," "harassment," or falls into another category of unprotected speech, it may lose its protected status. In cases where such speech is not constitutionally protected, it's likely to breach MSU's Anti-Discrimination Policy or other conduct policies. We encourage anyone who has encountered or witnessed hate speech on campus or is uncertain if the speech they have experienced is prohibited under our policies to contact the Office for Civil Rights for support and guidance.

Please consider disseminating these resources within your units and departments, including the attached infographic outlining the Anti-Discrimination Policy process. MSU values inclusion and belonging for every Spartan as they pursue their educational goals. Addressing and promoting safety is a collective effort and requires commitment from our entire community.

Sincerely,

Jabbar R. Bennett, Ph.D. (he/him)

Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer

Office for Institutional Diversity and Inclusion

 

Laura Rugless, J.D. (she/her)

Vice President and Title IX Coordinator

Office for Civil Rights and Title IX Education and Compliance