This message from Provost Michael Bruno was shared with the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa community on November 13, 2020.
Aloha UH Mānoa community,
A video of one of our students is circulating on social media that needs to be addressed. The video was taken a year ago and was recently posted. In it, the individual uses a racial slur that is absolutely reprehensible and unacceptable. The University of Hawaiʻi condemns racism in any form and takes situations like this one very seriously. An investigation is underway and the student involved is subject to the Student Conduct Code, which may result in suspension or expulsion.
This incident does not represent the values that are the foundation of our university. Part of the university’s mission is to provide safe, healthy and discrimination free environments for teaching, learning and scholarship.
As a Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation Campus Center we have made a commitment to jettisoning racism. Our commitment is further demonstrated by the commission on racism and bias that I established in July to build awareness and address our failings head on. This video, while not the only example and type of racism that we must address here at UH Mānoa and in Hawaiʻi, does serve as an important reminder of the challenges that we face, and the importance of our work together.
E malama pono,
Michael Bruno
UH Mānoa Provost
