Dear Tulane Community:
As many of you are aware, shortly after midnight on March 23, three students set fire to a plastic sign attached to the door of a student residence in Weatherhead Hall. The fire alarm was activated, and the fire was quickly extinguished. The fire caused minor damage to the door and there were no injuries.
I am extremely disturbed that this incident took place on our campus. The Tulane University Police Department responded quickly to identify and arrest the three suspects, all of whom have been charged with aggravated arson. The two Tulane students will also face charges related to violating the Tulane Code of Conduct and that process will be led by TUPD & the Tulane Office of Student Conduct.
In addition, police are investigating allegations that the suspects targeted this room because of the political affiliations of one of its occupants. Tulane is taking these allegations very seriously. Our primary duty is to protect the physical safety of our students and to provide a safe environment for all. Tulane students, faculty, staff and alumni represent a wide and rich variety of political thought and ideologies. The right to freely espouse and express these viewpoints on our campuses is something we cherish and hold sacred.
At this time, we do not have evidence to indicate the motives of the suspects – politically or otherwise. Regardless of motive, it is important for the Tulane community to know that Tulane University remains committed to the safety of its students, faculty, and staff, and to freedom of speech and expression. This is also a good time to pause and reflect on how we treat one another, our own duties to protect the safety and freedom of all and how we can best live up to our motto: "Not for oneself, but for one's own."
