February 24, 2026

Dear Gonzaga Community:

Recently, we have received reports of racially insensitive comments, including anti-Black sentiment, having been made toward and about members of our Gonzaga community. This past Saturday, the Black Student Union (BSU) held its annual cultural event and dinner, and BSU members have shared alarm, hurt, and frustration regarding comments that were directed at them over the weekend.

Additionally, the University has been made aware of harassing and offensive comments appearing on the social media app Fizz, which allows users to post anonymously. These reports are deeply troubling. This app is in no way supported or endorsed by Gonzaga and harassing and/or discriminatory comments posted on it using University IT resources violates Gonzaga’s Information Technology Use Policy. Further, and to prevent additional IT Use Policy violations, the Fizz app has been blocked from Gonzaga’s IT network, and the University has sent a letter to Fizz expressing our concerns.

We are living in a time of deep divide and we all feel the weight of these tensions and suffering. Being a Zag means being called into a community of care for one another. Gonzaga’s Catholic, Jesuit and humanistic mission asks us to care for the dignity of others and to cultivate inclusion and belonging, such that every Zag can be seen, heard and valued. When one of us hurts, we are all hurt.

We do not tolerate discrimination or harassment. Our Harassment and Non-Discrimination Policy and Student Code of Conduct clearly address expectations and requirements for behavior, as well as processes for accountability. Please report incidents of bias, discrimination, or harassment through the Bias Incident Report Form or the Reporting Form for Title IX, Harassment, Discrimination, and Retaliation.

Many offices, including but not limited to the Unity Multicultural Education Center, Lincoln LGBTQ+ Resource Center, Student Affairs Office, Center for Cura Personalis, Office of Inclusive Excellence, and University Ministry, are here to provide support, resources and space for dialogue and healing. Please reach out to us.

As a community, we can and must do better than this. Let us continue to be a place grounded in love, guided by justice, and united in care for one another. Let’s choose to show up for each other with generosity, grace, and hope.

In solidarity and faith,

Katia Passerini, Ph.D.
President

Kent Porterfield, Ed.D.
Vice President for Student Affairs

Alyssa Guzman
President, Gonzaga Student Body Association