AG finds no laws broken in ‘racist’ incidents at Cal Poly

October 3, 2018

An investigation conducted by the California Attorney General’s Office found Cal Poly students involved in allegedly racist incidents earlier this year broke no laws, and their speech was protected by the First Amendment, university President Jeffrey Armstrong announced in a letter to the community. [Cal Coast Times]

This spring, following multiple alleged racist incidents, including a much-publicized fraternity blackface photo, Cal Poly asked the California Attorney General’s Office to investigate recent cases of racism on campus. Other allegedly racist incidents that occurred during the spring included fraternity members dressing as gangsters and Hispanics and vandalism outside a liberal professor’s office that included the word “nigger,” as well as statements about race, intelligence and homicide rates. Additionally, Armstrong said an individual posted an image in a private social media group that appeared to ridicule the blackface incident by sharing it.

In a letter to the Cal Poly community, Armstrong said the university has received a report detailing the finding of the Attorney General’s Office investigation. The report is confidential, but Armstrong can share key findings, he said.

The AG’s office determined the students involved in the incidents broke no state laws or CSU executive orders. Investigators noted the acts were profoundly offensive and insensitive, but constituted free speech protected by the First Amendment.

Likewise, the report confirmed that Cal Poly, as a state institution, is required to uphold First Amendment rights, Armstrong stated.

The investigation yielded more information, which the university will consider as part of its standard review process. The Dean of Students Office will review the new information and address any individual or organizational violations of the student code of conduct, according to Armstrong’s letter.

“While we are obligated to obey the law, including the protection of free speech rights, I want to be very clear that we find reprehensible any and all acts aimed at denigrating and hurting any member of our campus community,” Armstrong wrote in the letter. “Those actions simply run counter to everything we represent at Cal Poly. We may not be able to change the acts and attitudes of a few, but hear me when I say that those voices do not reflect our values and what we stand for as a university community. In response, we are working hard to improve our climate and provide a welcoming environment to all who would study, work, visit or live on our campus.”


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Jeffrey Armstrong… shows no leadership, unable to make tough decisions, then justifies his lack of leadership with the attorney general’s results. Then tosses a bunch of fluffy words at the problem as if fluffy words will make things better. The guy is totally blind to how his lack of leadership has totally f**ked up the campus culture among both students and faculty. What a sh*thole.


If this is such an offensive image, why do media outlets keep showing it? Don’t they care for the feelings of those who see the image? If a bear ____ in the woods…….


Racist vandalism isn’t illegal on campus at Cal Poly? Kind of creepy.


Given President Armstrong’s salary apparently stealing isn’t illegal either.


At least this kid has not yet been accused of sexually assault a woman while in black face.. that would warrant the death penalty. Surprised no young women have come forward yet…


How much money is wasted by government over lawsuits and investigations of itself? This idiot armstrong needs an investigation by the DA so he can whine that his hands are tied by the 1st amendment in a letter to students. You already knew that dipshit. Save the taxpayer a few bucks next time and grow a pair.