A Statement from President Broderick

October 09, 2019

Dear Monarch Community:

This morning I was outraged to learn that a member of our faculty and his family were victims of a hate crime. Dee Hall, the wife of Matthew Hall, a faculty member in political science and geography, found a hate message written on the window of her car in the Colonial Place neighborhood.

Racist acts like this sharply contradict Old Dominion's values of inclusion, diversity and respect for the dignity of others and go against everything for which the Monarch community stands. I want to assure you this matter is not being taken lightly. I have asked our public safety department to double its efforts to assist Norfolk Police and the FBI with the investigation so that ultimately someone is charged with this cowardly and despicable act. I have also been in touch with Matthew to emphasize Old Dominion's willingness to help in any way.

I know the Monarch community joins me in expressing our sorrow to the Hall family. We at Old Dominion should use this moment not to focus on hostility toward individuals or groups, but to work even harder to improve our community by embracing our diversity.

Sincerely,

John R. Broderick

President