April 16, 2018

Dear UD Community,

Newark Police are investigating an assault that happened Friday at an off-campus party in which a local man was injured. Witnesses reportedly heard some of the people involved — who are believed to be UD students — use discriminatory slurs related to sexual identity during the incident. UD Police are working with Newark Police to gather more information on this investigation.

This kind of reprehensible behavior is not tolerated at the University of Delaware. We will take all appropriate measures in the student conduct process to ensure any offenders are held accountable for their actions.

The offensive language reportedly used in the incident stands in stark contrast to UD's core values -- www.udel.edu/values -- of diversity and equality. Our community is better than this, and I ask you to join me in our ongoing commitment to cultivate a culture of inclusion and respect at the University of Delaware.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Newark Police at 302-366-7111. Students who may be feeling anxious can contact the Center for Counseling and Student Development (CCSD) at 302-831-2141 or www.udel.edu/counseling. The CCSD is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. The UD Helpline is also available 24 hours a day at 302-831-1001.

Sincerely,

Dennis Assanis President