California State University, Stanislaus President Hamid Shirvani released the following statement today regarding intolerant messages received by Sen. Leeland Yee:
“Hate and intolerance have no place in our society or at our university. I condemn the use of hate, racial and intimidating communications as a means of protest. These types of inappropriate messages only incite intolerance and I strongly disapprove of these attacks.
“Over the course of the last few weeks, both our Foundation president and I have received both positive and hateful messages related to our 50th Anniversary Gala. I am renewing my call for a civil discourse on the issues and to remove political motives from this debate.
“Often emotions cloud good conscience. Hateful and ugly messages circulating on Web sites and Facebook directed at administration and faculty members detract from our commitment to provide a safe and open learning environment for our students. Beginning immediately, we must get past pointing fingers and hurling angry words and accusations because only then can we focus on improving programs for our students and university.”
“Hate and intolerance have no place in our society or at our university. I condemn the use of hate, racial and intimidating communications as a means of protest. These types of inappropriate messages only incite intolerance and I strongly disapprove of these attacks.
“Over the course of the last few weeks, both our Foundation president and I have received both positive and hateful messages related to our 50th Anniversary Gala. I am renewing my call for a civil discourse on the issues and to remove political motives from this debate.
“Often emotions cloud good conscience. Hateful and ugly messages circulating on Web sites and Facebook directed at administration and faculty members detract from our commitment to provide a safe and open learning environment for our students. Beginning immediately, we must get past pointing fingers and hurling angry words and accusations because only then can we focus on improving programs for our students and university.”