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.
----------
(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.
Read President Eighmy's statement on fighting hate.
Connect with UTSA online at Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram and LinkedIn.
UTSA Today is produced by University Communications and Marketing, the official news source of The University of Texas at San Antonio. Send your feedback to news@utsa.edu. Keep up-to-date on UTSA news by visiting UTSA Today. Connect with UTSA online at Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and Instagram.
Join us on your lunch or 30 minute wellness break and "Lego" of your stress with fun activities like Legos, PlayDoh, coloring pages, puzzles and more!
Mesquite Room (SU 2.01.24,) Student Union, Main CampusMove In To COLFA is strongly recommended for new students in COLFA. It gives you the chance to learn about the Student Success Center, campus resources and meet new friends!
Academic Classroom: Lecture Hall (MH 2.01.10,) McKinney Humanities BldgWe invite you to join us for Birds Up! Downtown, an exciting welcome back event designed to connect students with the different departments at the Downtown Campus. Students will have the opportunity to learn about some of the departments on campus, gain access to different resources, and collect some giveaways!
Bill Miller PlazaCome and celebrate this year's homecoming at the Downtown Campus with food, games, giveaways, music, and more. We look forward to seeing your Roadrunner Spirit!
Bill Miller PlazaThe University of Texas at San Antonio is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through research and discovery, teaching and learning, community engagement and public service. As an institution of access and excellence, UTSA embraces multicultural traditions and serves as a center for intellectual and creative resources as well as a catalyst for socioeconomic development and the commercialization of intellectual property - for Texas, the nation and the world.
To be a premier public research university, providing access to educational excellence and preparing citizen leaders for the global environment.
We encourage an environment of dialogue and discovery, where integrity, excellence, respect, collaboration and innovation are fostered.
