To Members of the MIT Community,

On behalf of the Committee on Race & Diversity and the Institute Administration, we write to address the unfortunate and mean-spirited vandalism to the recent Martin Luther King, Jr. display in Lobby 10, where multiple figures from the display were stolen or damaged.

Academic excellence only thrives in an open and inclusive environment. At MIT we accept many ways of voicing ideas and sharing dissenting opinions. However, the privilege of working and studying here carries a concomitant obligation to share our views respectfully. Vandalism is not the expression of ideas, it has no place at MIT, and it is grounds for dismissal or expulsion.

This incident serves as a reminder that we must accelerate the important progress the Institute has made building an increasingly diverse community and creating a culture of inclusion that supports MIT s mission.

Sincerely,
Susan Hockfield, President
Phil Thompson, Chair, Committee on Race and Diversity

The Committee on Race Relations and the MLK Celebration Committee are now the Committee on Race and Diversity (CRD)! Professor J. Phillip Thompson is serving as the CRD chair.

Tell us what you think about race relations and diversity on the MIT Campus…