I was saddened and disappointed when I learned about the recent ZBT and Tri Delta party that ended up portraying Latino/as in stereotypical and denigrating ways. Students who took part in such behavior were being insensitive, thoughtless and, quite frankly, juvenile. Although I’m not in the business of telling students how to think, I expect more of our Illinois students. They are the best and the brightest of the next generation, and such callous behavior is beneath them. The challenges of our multi-cultural society demand that each of us constantly examine our biases and work hard to put ourselves in the shoes of people who come from widely varying backgrounds, cultures and experiences. We can have strong and differing opinions about culture, politics and policy, but we must never lose touch with granting everyone the kind of respect and dignity we would like others to grant to us. Everyone of every background is welcome at Illinois, and I want them to feel welcome.

As is so often the case with these kinds of incidents, the ensuing debate is an education in itself. The controversy has spurred a great deal of conversation about treating one another with common decency, and that is good. The process of reviewing the incident is now underway, and I believe a deeper appreciation of our cultural diversity and individual responsibility will be the result. Vice Chancellor Renee Romano has been working with the various groups involved to turn what I believe to have been poor judgment on the part of students into a learning experience. Already, the controversy has added impetus to our plans to heighten diversity education on campus.

Yet, for the insensitivity that was shown, I apologize.

Young people are always works in progress, and I believe this event will help remind us all to be better and more thoughtful people.

Richard Herman

Chancellor, UIUC