President's Office

Hate-Filled Threat and Symbols on Academic Building Walls

All messages related to the threats of violence and expressions of hate that have been directed at the CSUN community are collected below chronologically. 


Update — Dec. 13

Any students who are having difficulty reaching their instructors regarding alternate final exam formats or who have concerns with accommodations are encouraged to contact the appropriate college’s Dean’s Office. For contact information for each Dean’s Office see the list below. Again, any student requesting such an accommodation will not be subject to any instructor-imposed penalty.

Mike Curb College of Arts, Media, & Communication
http://www.csun.edu/mike-curb-arts-media-communication
(818) 677-2246

David Nazarian College of Business and Economics
https://www.csun.edu/busecon
(818) 677-2455

Michael D. Eisner College of Education
https://www.csun.edu/eisner-education
(818) 677-2590

College of Engineering & Computer Science
https://www.csun.edu/engineering-computer-science
(818) 677-4501

College of Health & Human Development
https://www.csun.edu/health-human-development
(818) 677-3001

College of Humanities
https://www.csun.edu/humanities
(818) 677-3301

College of Science & Mathematics
https://www.csun.edu/science-mathematics
(818) 677-2004

College of Social & Behavioral Sciences
https://www.csun.edu/social-behavioral-sciences
(818) 677-3317

The Tseng College
https://tsengcollege.csun.edu/
(866) 873-6439


Message from President Dianne F. Harrison:
December 11, 2018

Alternate Final Exam Format Options Extended to Students Upon Request, 8:45 p.m., 12/11/18

To the Campus Community,

While law enforcement does not believe there is an imminent threat to campus, I recognize the extreme stress and anxiety the recent threats of violence have caused our community.

To further ease the anxiety students are understandably experiencing that may affect exam performance, finals on Wednesday, December 12, will only be offered in alternative formats. For final exams on Thursday, December 13, through Tuesday, December 18, faculty will provide alternative exam format options and accommodate students who are not comfortable coming to campus. Students should contact their instructors to request alternative arrangements. Any student requesting such an accommodation will not be subject to any instructor-imposed penalty. This decision was made in consultation with CSUN’s Faculty Senate Executive Committee.

The campus will remain open during the remainder of the semester. Employees concerned about reporting to work should contact their supervisors.

Again, as I shared in this morning’s communication, CSUN Police and partner law enforcement agencies continue to investigate the threats and maintain their increased patrols across campus. Anyone with any information should contact CSUN Police immediately at 911 or 818-677-2111.

Hate has no place on this campus, and we are working to bring any perpetrators of these cowardly acts to justice. We are resolute in our duty to not allow these threats to derail our students’ education. We make these accommodations entirely in the interest of our students and their success. I appreciate the dedication of faculty and staff who have exhibited extraordinary flexibility and empathy in service of our students, as well as the tireless work of CSUN Police. I ask everyone to come together as a community, supporting one another through this difficult time.

Sincerely, 
Dianne F. Harrison, Ph.D. 
President

 


Message from President Dianne F. Harrison:
December 11, 2018

Subject: Dec. 12th Finals Moved to Alternate Exam Formats Following New Threat to Campus, 8:49 a.m., 12/11/18

To the Campus Community,

Last night, a hand-written note was discovered in Redwood Hall that threatened violence on December 12 at CSUN and Northridge Academy High School. CSUN Police and the Los Angeles Police Department have been investigating throughout the night and into this morning. Additional police from partner agencies along with CSUN Police are patrolling campus and will continue to do so. This new threat follows a threat of a mass shooting and racist, Anti-Semitic language and symbols written on the walls of academic buildings last week.

We recognize that these threats have created an environment where students and other members of our campus community fear for their safety. We are instructing all faculty who have examinations on December 12 to provide alternative examination options for their students that would not require students to be physically present on campus Wednesday. Faculty will be communicating specifics with students.

The campus will remain open on Wednesday based on the threat assessment and current information gathered by law enforcement. Any employees who are affected are encouraged to contact their supervisor. Should the circumstances change, the status of the December 12th finals and campus services will be updated.

Law enforcement officials continue to believe that there is no imminent threat to campus. We are working to bring any perpetrators of these cowardly acts to justice. Anyone with any information should contact CSUN Police immediately at 911 or 818-677-2111.

To reiterate, faculty who have examinations on December 12 have been directed to provide alternative examination options for their students that would not require students to be physically present on campus Wednesday. We will communicate updates as information becomes available.

Sincerely, 
Dianne F. Harrison, Ph.D. 
President

 


Message from President Dianne F. Harrison:

December 10, 2018
Subject: Update on Threat to Campus Safety, Hate Messages - 12/10/18

Dear CSUN Community,

The last several days have been incredibly difficult for the CSUN family as we have endured the strain of a threatened mass shooting, as well as sickening statements and anti-Semitic and racist symbols of hate. During this challenging period, we have received outreach from our broader community, including faith-based organizations, mental health professionals and law enforcement.

We also have received emails from students and parents who intensely believe the campus should be closed immediately given the threat. We have tried our best to respond respectfully and with sincere understanding to the emails received. We also are aware of faculty who, on a case-by-case basis, have made decisions about adjusting academic requirements this week. I want to thank our students and faculty for working together to make appropriate decisions.  

Sadly, the world in which we live requires we take threats of violence and expressions of hate seriously - even when there is no evidence to suggest that the threatened acts are likely to materialize. The determination by CSUN Police and their law enforcement partners, at this time, remains that this threat is not credible. However, police continue to vigorously investigate. Further, out of an abundance of caution and to demonstrate our deep and sincere commitment to safety, I want to inform you that this week you will see CSUN Police and our law enforcement partners be even more visible across campus.

Though I am keenly aware some may object to an increase of police on our campus, it is my judgement that added law enforcement personnel is absolutely warranted. We need this measure of safety and reassurance at this time for our campus community. Additionally, please be advised we will continue the stepped-up presence of law enforcement on campus as circumstances warrant. We also assess on a daily basis the decision to keep the university open and to ramp up security during exams.

Finally, we have not taken our eyes off the appearance of swastikas and hate language in our men's restrooms. There has been a disturbing increase in this hateful language and symbols on college campuses across the country and, just a few weeks ago, the symbol was spray-painted on a revered mural in the Crenshaw District of Los Angeles. Likewise, threats toward the Jewish community, especially during the holidays, remind us of the need to resist acts of hate towards any group based on religion, race, nationality, gender or other discriminatory basis. We will continue to forcefully and emphatically denounce these cowardly acts of anti-Semitic, racist hate wherever they occur.

As I stated in previous communications, I will continue to update the campus community as additional information becomes available. Finally, I want to remind you to contact CSUN Police at 818-677-TIPS (8477) should you have information that could assist the university's investigation.

Sincerely,

Dianne F. Harrison, Ph.D.
President


Message from Chief of Police Anne Glavin:

December 7, 2018
Subject: Update on Threat Written on Wall - 12/7/18

To the Campus Community,

CSUN Police continues its active investigation into the threat of a mass shooting and the hate-filled language and symbols found written on the walls of several academic buildings. There is no indication that the threat of violence is credible.

CSUN Police will continue its increased presence and patrols on campus and collaboration with other law enforcement partners. As stated in President Harrison's email on this matter, those in our community who are particularly impacted by this threat and the hate-filled language may speak to their instructors or supervisor about any request for academic or work adjustment.

Thank you to everyone who has provided information to CSUN Police. Anyone with any information should contact CSUN Police immediately at 818-677-TIPS (8477) or call 911.

Updates will be provided as we learn more.


Sincerely,

Anne Glavin
Chief of Police

 


Message from CSUN President Dianne F. Harrison:


December 6, 2018
Subject: Hate-Filled Threat and Symbols on Academic Building Walls

To the Campus Community,

As CSUN Chief of Police Anne Glavin shared last night, CSUN Police is vigorously investigating a threat of a mass shooting and other hate-filled language and symbols written on the walls of several academic buildings. At this time, there is no indication that the threat of a mass shooting is credible, and there is no indication of an imminent threat to campus. While we cannot share specifics in order to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation, this matter has our utmost attention. Please be assured that we are taking every step to ensure the safety of our campus community, including increasing patrols across campus and collaborating with other law enforcement partners.

Based on a threat assessment and current circumstances, classes remain in session, and finals will continue as planned. For those in our community who are particularly impacted by this threat and the hate-filled language, I encourage you to speak to your instructors or supervisor about any request for academic or work adjustment. Additionally, CSUN will be evaluating what accommodations may be needed for students as they head into finals. We will closely watch the situation and communicate with students and employees should we need to make changes relating to finals and the status of campus. 

It saddens and angers me that the hate and threat of violence affecting colleges, universities and communities nationwide has come to CSUN. There is no place at CSUN for this cowardly act that seeks to intimidate. Students learning in a safe and supportive environment is our top priority. In addition to the increased police patrols, I am asking all administrators and campus leaders to be visible on campus today and in the days to come.

I can assure you that CSUN Police is entirely focused on the safety of our campus. We all play a role in reporting suspicious activity and crimes. We must also fight hate at every turn and not allow it to take root, fester or spread. We must rise above and not allow the actions of the intolerant few to deter us from our noble goals and the pursuit of knowledge and inclusive excellence.

I retain my faith in our community and in our highly capable professional police force to protect our campus. We are working tirelessly to ensure our campus is safe. As we learn more, we will provide updates.


Sincerely,

Dianne F. Harrison, Ph.D.
President

 


Message from Chief of Police Anne Glavin:

December 5, 2018
Subject: Hateful, Offensive, Threatening Graffiti in Sierra Hall

To the CSUN Community:

Earlier this evening, CSUN Police became aware of hateful and racist language posted on walls in Sierra Hall. It included hate symbols and a threat of a mass shooting. Late last week, we had similar hate language in this same building.

First, I want our community to know that Police Services is investigating, and we have stepped up patrols on campus. I am asking our community to be very vigilant, and to report any and all hate language you see (including symbols, threats, etc.). If you see any concerning suspicious behavior, please report it to our 911 center.

We are aware that photos of this hateful language, symbols and the threat are being widely shared on social media, causing significant concern among our community. Again, if you have any tips in this case, I ask you to share them with CSUN Police immediately at 818-677-TIPS (8477).

Sincerely, 

Anne
 Glavin 
Chief of Police