Students often have more freedom than faculty, staff or administrators to make bold statements.

Student voices are especially important when administrators make no statement or inadequate statements that do more harm than good.

Other times, the "official" statement smacks of damage control and PR, and student voices must raise neglected issues of safety, racism and bigotry.

Here are guidelines for monitoring and prodding your campus' "official" administrative statement or for crafting your own.

AN EFFECTIVE STATEMENT SHOULD:

· Describe exactly what happened. Being evasive can lead to rumor and misunderstanding.

· Condemn the biased act in strong, unflinching terms.

· Offer comfort to specific victims and the targeted group. Address their safety issues, and make counseling and other support services available.

· Announce immediate steps the administration will be taking to address the issue.

· Acknowledge university history or shortcomings that may have contributed to a climate that allowed such an incident to occur. Signal the need to examine policy issues and institutional racism.

· Use an array of means to spread information. This includes email, the university website, fliers and other means of communication to reach the entire campus. When appropriate, consider producing bilingual materials.

· Allow for questions from the press and the public. A canned statement with no room for feedback can exacerbate tension and create an atmosphere of defensiveness and exclusion.

· Honor those who are united against hate. Also invite those not yet represented to join the united stand against bigotry.

Include parents. Make sure parents receive statements and information if issues of student safety are involved. Let them know what campus services are available and what security measures are being taken.

· Keep alumni informed especially if campus legacies such as mascots or long-standing groups or programs are involved.

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