Statement from WSU President Samuel Smith and Provost Gretchen Bataille responding to last Tuesday’s fire bombing and cross burning and hate mail left at the Moscow, Idaho, home of Lori Graves, a WSU graduate student, who is involved in anti-racism activities.
“We add our voices to those in our greater Moscow-Pullman community — including Washington State University faculty, staff and students — repudiating this and all hate crimes. WSU reaffirms its commitment to social justice and to efforts to make our university and our community hate-free. Any actions that seek to intimidate or harass — especially those taken in the cloak of secrecy — only strengthen the resolve of members of a concerned and caring community.
“We thank those who took part in last Friday’s candlelight vigil in Moscow’s Friendship Square. We encourage community members to show solidarity against hate and racism, through activities such as tomorrow evening’s town meeting at the Moscow Community Center. Furthermore, during this holiday season, we ask for individuals throughout our community to join us in reaffirmation of commitments to ensure our community is open and welcoming to all people.”
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