CHICAGO (November 16, 2016) — In a campus-wide communication on Tuesday, I reminded us that all are welcome at North Park University. I noted that our Christian values call us to be present with each other, to be a neighbor, to welcome, to walk alongside, to show love, to do justice, and to show mercy. Our student standards of conduct exist to teach students how to live in relationship to each other and behave respectfully.
Additionally, I noted that messages and expressions of hate have no place on our campus. Words and symbols of hate are not only hurtful and cause pain, they demonstrate intolerance for others, place victims in positions of fear, and threaten their personal safety. On our campus, the safety and security of our students is our highest priority. It is because of this priority, alongside our commitment to being a welcoming and hospitable community, that we denounce hate speech in any form.
Of late, there has been evidence of intolerance that is counter to our climate of civility. We fully investigate all incidents that involve violations to the rights and dignity of any person. We follow with appropriate action through student conduct proceedings.
We ask God to send us His amazing grace as we work to love and care for all students on our campus.
Please keep North Park University in your prayers,
David L. Parkyn
President