Hofstra Fake Gang Rape Statement

Hofstra University President Stuart Rabinowitz issued a statement Friday about the false claims of a gang rape on campus.

It reads:

The heart-wrenching events of this past week have shocked, unsettled and saddened every member of the Hofstra Community. As we work through this very difficult period, I ask that we come together as a community with shared values; that we make this a time of healing and that we find support and comfort from each other. I ask also that we make this a time of study and reflection. Let us learn from the events of the past week to strengthen our University.  Safety and security will always be a top priority and we are committed to providing the safest campus possible for our students, faculty, staff, and all those who visit Hofstra University. Hofstra is a very safe campus with a state-of-the-art security infrastructure. Our policies and procedures are constantly being evaluated. We have made significant investments in increasing the number of Public Safety personnel, as well as in training, surveillance cameras, educational programs, blue light and emergency telephone stations, outside security audits, card swipe networks, and an enhanced notification system. However, as much as we wish it were otherwise, nothing can prevent all criminal acts by individuals who are determined to break the law. Similarly, no educational program can be designed which will assure that no one will ever violate our community standards or our trust. This is as true at Hofstra as it is at any place, anywhere.  Nonetheless, we have increased safety staffing and patrols on campus and we are adding additional lighting and cameras around campus buildings. We will redouble our educational efforts and try to increase awareness among students, faculty, and staff of any potential signs of danger or dangerous behavior, and the need to pass that information on to Public Safety so that it can be adequately and appropriately addressed. While we have a strong Code of Community Standards, we will remind everyone of our shared responsibilities as members of this community.  In addition, we will be taking the time to learn from you through surveys and focus groups to determine your areas of particular concern about safety and security and how they might best be addressed. I will be appointing a Presidential Task Force under the direction of the Vice President for Student Affairs and the Vice President for Facilities and Operations and consisting of representatives from students, faculty and administrators, to undertake a review of all aspects of security, including operations, communications, programs, policies and procedures to insure that we are taking every possible precaution to maintain a secure and safe campus. In addition, we will once again be seeking to utilize the services of an outside consultant to conduct a security audit and make recommendations as to best practices and possible enhancements to our program. I will eagerly await the recommendations from both the Task Force and the audit.  Working together collaboratively in an atmosphere of collegiality and mutual respect, I am confident that we can make Hofstra the best possible place in which to learn and live.

Sincerely,

Stuart Rabinowitz

President