Message from CBU president on incident at pre-season NBA game

Message from the President

Fellow Lancers:

News reports, social media postings and strong reaction surrounding an incident involving two students from California Baptist University at a public arena in Ontario, California continue to reverberate days after a recording of the event went viral. The outcry and outrage being expressed are not surprising and, in many cases, are entirely proper. 

The despicable behavior displayed in the recording of the incident is an extreme departure from the positive Christian values that are central to the culture of California Baptist University and does not represent the vast majority of CBU students, employees and alumni. I cannot stress this too strongly. This incident clearly does not reflect the caring spirit of CBU or the Code of Conduct expected of every member of the CBU community, requiring that all persons be treated with dignity and respect. Reported violations, including this one, are vigorously investigated. Persons found in violation of the CBU Code of Conduct are subject to disciplinary consequences that may include expulsion from the university. 

California Baptist University strongly upholds the rights and freedoms guaranteed to all under the Constitution and laws of the United States of America and does not condone or support actions or expressions in denial of those rights. Hatred and hateful behavior are not welcome and will not be tolerated at California Baptist University.

I have informed the CBU Board of Trustees about this matter in their oversight capacity. I assured them, as I assure you now, that we are actively and deliberately pursuing the due process investigation that began several days ago to determine appropriate actions in response to the incident. We also are cooperating fully with law enforcement and other parties involved as inquiries into this incident go forward.

In the meantime, I ask every member of the California Baptist University community to join me in praying for all who have been affected by this unfortunate incident. I pray that our words and deeds will humbly and unmistakably represent the abiding love of God, demonstrate genuine respect for all, and reaffirm the traditional values that have been taught and embraced at CBU for generations.

Ronald L. Ellis, Ph.D.

President