Wichita State University has begun its own inquiry into an incident last week that took place after the Student Government Association banquet.
President John Bardo has appointed three university leaders -- Marche Fleming-Randle, assistant for diversity; Judy Espinoza, director of human resources; and, Jane Link, director of equal opportunity -- to the committee. They will look into allegations of racially discriminatory behavior.
In a statement, Bardo says the school is “committed to maintain an environment that is free from discrimination.”
"We've heard accounts of an incident last week in which political and philosophical differences between past and present student government presidents resulted in a confrontation involving parents of both presidents," he says. "Without judging any individual involved, we need to ensure that the university is a place where diversity of culture, thought and experience can thrive."
The inquiry will be separate from a criminal investigation already underway by the University Police Department.
If the committee determines racial discrimination did occur, it will recommend “appropriate actions.”
WSU is also hosting on-campus listening sessions for students to discuss the incident.
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