This morning, Harvard Law School discovered that portraits of some African American faculty had been defaced with black tape. The Harvard University Police Department is investigating the incident as a hate crime. The HLS community gathered at noon to listen to one another, to share our concerns, experiences and perspectives, and to address ways to move forward. Expressions of hatred are abhorrent, whether they be directed at race, sex, sexual preference, gender identity, religion, or any other targets of bigotry. Here at HLS, we are focused on efforts to improve our community, examining structures that may contribute to negative experiences of any members of our community, and pursuing opportunities where the School can both change and support change. 

Dean Martha Minow
Morgan and Helen Chu Dean and Professor of Law
Harvard Law School