The university has reviewed an incident that occurred at a June 25 admissions event on campus. We have taken the disciplinary action that was determined to be warranted under the circumstances. We typically do not provide detail on personnel decisions and will not do so here.
To be clear, it is inappropriate, and contrary to our long-standing value of institutional neutrality, for any staff member at Vanderbilt to make a verbal or nonverbal statement on a political or social issue in the performance of their duties, unless the statement is directly connected to the core function of their duties. We will provide staff additional guidance on these matters.
The incident at issue also involved a visitor’s conduct toward university staff. We do not tolerate any mistreatment of our staff, including by visitors to the university. When any such incidents occur, we will do what is necessary—and within our authority—to address them.
