A recent web posting of photos and their captions by the president of the College Republicans depicting members of his organization in black face, dressed as the KKK and portraying other groups in disparaging ways, is patently offensive to anyone with a modicum of decency.
The individual responsible has removed the photos from the web. But we are saddened and troubled by his efforts to defend the photos as being acceptable to his student organization. Yes, they are protected by the First Amendment, but that protection does not mean it is acceptable by any appropriate standard.
Penn State is committed to ensuring respect for the dignity of all individuals within our university family. Racism in any form is unacceptable. The first of "The Penn State Principles" is "I will respect the dignity of all individuals within the Penn State Community."
Penn State will continue to strive for a campus environment that is welcoming and safe for all students. The inappropriate and unfortunate actions of one individual or group will not deter the University's commitment to welcome all individuals who seek the opportunity to learn.