From: All Law Students On Behalf Of David A Logan
Sent: Monday, July 16, 2007 1:44 PM
To: LAWSTUDENTS@LISTSERV.RWU.EDU
Subject: A Message from the Dean Importance: High

To Members of the Roger Williams University School of Law Community:

On Saturday, the Providence Journal reported that Ralph R. Papitto, the former chairman of the Roger Williams University Board of Trustees, made racist comments and then threatened to retaliate against Board members who sought to hold him accountable for that conduct.

I am writing to assure you that such behavior has no place in the Roger Williams educational community. We are committed, in word and deed, to diversity and public service. Mr. Papitto's conduct was fundamentally inconsistent with our policy and practice.

The School of Law bears his name, owing to his leadership in establishing this institution. However, past leadership will not prevent the School of Law from completely disavowing his recent conduct. Furthermore, we will be discussing these important matters with the School of Law Board of Directors and all of our constituencies to ensure that we take the steps necessary to protect our educational community and its values.

Finally, my thanks to the many of you who have, in the last forty-eight hours, contacted me to express your concerns and offer your support. I continue to welcome your thoughts as we move forward to build an even stronger law school.

David A. Logan
Dean & Professor of Law