Another Oklahoma student — this time, at a community college — has been suspended in connection with a GroupMe message sent to, among others, every African-American freshman at the University of Pennsylvania.
In a statement, Tulsa Community College President and CEO Leigh B. Goodson said the student was put on academic suspension pending an investigation, for conduct that may have violated the school’s student code.
“This disturbing behavior gives me the opportunity to make our mission clear – (the College) is dedicated to learning, the free exchange of ideas, and the safety and respect of all of our students and employees,” Goodson said in her statement, the full text of which is below. “ I am deeply disappointed this behavior occurred and I have taken this action to reflect our values and our commitment to students.”
The University of Oklahoma today announced the first student, snared in what became a federal investigation into whoever added Penn’s Class of 2020 to a group called “Nigger Lynching”, was no longer enrolled. But UO declined to say whether the student withdrew or was expelled.
Goodson’s full statement:
“Today, Tulsa Community College put on interim academic suspension a TCC student who has been identified with a social media group that posted racist messages identified by federal authorities to be potential criminal activity. This action falls under TCC’s Student Code of Conduct Policy which prohibits behavior that threatens the mental health or safety of students or could be perceived as threatening or bullying. The interim suspension allows TCC to investigate the matter, decide on our next actions, and protect our learning environment for students and our employees.
“This disturbing behavior gives me the opportunity to make our mission clear – TCC is dedicated to learning, the free exchange of ideas, and the safety and respect of all of our students and employees. The intimidation of any individual or group is a deterrent to the free and open exchange of ideas. As an open door institution with more than 27,000 students, we understand that every individual who comes through our doors has a belief system and a history different from every other. This diversity is what makes higher education a rich and meaningful experience. As President, I am deeply disappointed this behavior occurred and I have taken this action to reflect our values and our commitment to students.”
