Message from President Turner regarding signs found on campus

Dear SMU community,

Signs were found on campus late last night and today that appear to be part of a campaign by an outside group at universities across Texas and the country. Fliers were found outside campus buildings, and a banner and flier were found near the lacrosse field. The signs were not authorized by SMU and have been removed, and SMU Police have initiated an investigation.

While SMU strongly supports freedom of speech and expression, the outside group featured on these signs promotes an abhorrent message that is opposite to SMU values. Our University community is deeply committed to maintaining an educational environment that is welcoming and inclusive. As an institution dedicated to learning, we value respectful and civil discourse.

Any person who hangs unauthorized signs or defaces University property is subject to prosecution. Any campus community member found responsible for violating SMU policy will be held accountable under the University’s conduct review process.

If you have more information or find a flier, please call SMU Police at 214-768-3333. Anonymous reports may be made to 214-768-2TIP. Students with concerns about this incident may contact any of the campus resources listed below, in addition to SMU Police.

Sincerely,

R. Gerald Turner
President

Campus resources:

SMU PD seeks persons of interest in flier case

Office of the Dean of Student Life, 214-768-4564

Office of Institutional Access and Equity, 214-768-3601

Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, 214-768-4580

Women & LGBT Center, 214-768-4792

Counseling Services, 214-768-2277 (confidential counseling; an emergency phone number is provided 24/7)

Chaplain’s Office, 214-768-4502 (confidential counseling)

SMU Police, 214-768-3333

SMU Nondiscrimination Policy http://www.smu.edu/nondiscrimination