Dear Vanderbilt community,

We want to update you on the investigation into the vile and racist white supremacist emails received by members of the Vanderbilt community on July 30 and 31.

Let us state again that Vanderbilt condemns these messages and the cowardly tactics used to sow distrust, division and hatred. Those messages are abhorrent and antithetical to our values as a university community.

We are deeply sorry that our students, faculty and staff were victims of this vicious attack and for the tremendous pain and anguish it has caused. We stand shoulder to shoulder with the African American and black members of our community who were especially impacted by these hateful messages and reaffirm our commitment to the bedrock values of our community—diversity, equity and inclusion.

Within an hour after the attack began, Vanderbilt University Information Technology determined that the emails were the result of an external attack. Over the next few hours, using digital forensics, VUIT identified the attack method and erected appropriate blocks that stopped potentially thousands of additional offensive messages to our community. As reported in MyVU August 2, an analysis of the recipients showed that distribution was broad and diffuse—there does not appear to be any pattern in terms of who received the emails or who received them first. Approximately half of the emails sent in the attack went to addresses with no affiliation with Vanderbilt; other universities were also impacted by this attack.

The Vanderbilt University Police Department and Metropolitan Nashville Police Department investigated the case. Because this sophisticated email attack appears to be connected to dozens of IP addresses in 17 countries, federal authorities are now involved in the investigation.

There is no evidence to suggest that the perpetrators are associated with Vanderbilt. However, if any connection is uncovered, those responsible would be subject to respective immediate disciplinary procedures: for students, through Student Accountability; for faculty, under Faculty Manual procedures; for staff, by HR policies; as well as any criminal charges determined by the investigatory agencies and the appropriate district attorney general office.

VUIT’s investigation found that this attack was not, as originally reported, a “phishing” attack—that is, recipients were not induced to reveal personal information, such as passwords and credit card numbers. Regardless, VUIT warns against responding to or clicking on links within any suspicious emails.

VUIT continues to partner with consultants and experts to identify and address additional potential IT vulnerabilities and further tighten our defenses. However, no IT system can be made airtight, so we encourage everyone to review their public profile on the web so you are aware of and comfortable with your level of visibility. Visit the VUIT website for information on best practices.

As a community, we are committed to addressing and preventing bias on campus through education and critical dialogue. We are also committed to providing support for those who have experienced bias and anyone needing assistance. Bias-related incidents can be reported directly to the Title IX and Student Discrimination Office at titleixandstudentdiscrimination@vanderbilt.edu or by calling 615-343-9004. Incidents can also be reported anonymously using this form. Faculty and staff who want to report allegations of discrimination or bias should contact Equal Employment Opportunity.

A number of university resources are available to any Vanderbilt community member seeking assistance. They include:

• Office for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, 615-343-2644
• Inclusive Excellence, Office of the Provost, 615-343-3697
• Dean of Students, 615-322-6400
• Bishop Joseph Johnson Black Cultural Center, 615-322-2524
• Student Care Network, 615-343-9355
• University Counseling Center, 615-322-2571
• Center for Student Wellbeing, 615-322-0480
• Work/Life Connections–EAP, 615-936-1327
• Office of University Chaplain and Religious Life, 615-322-2457
• Vanderbilt University Public Safety, 615-322-2745

As a community grounded in civility and respect, Vanderbilt University welcomes the differences that make us a stronger community. Our chancellor has led us in making great strides in building a beloved community—a society based on justice and equal opportunity in which all are embraced and none are discriminated against. This email attack, and others like it, is designed to do the opposite: create divisions and mistrust to drive us apart.

One of our greatest strengths at Vanderbilt is our ability to engage in dialogue, however painful. Instead of allowing these attackers who hide behind their cloaks of anonymity to erode our community, we will use this evil act to continue propelling our positive actions—to further cultivate a welcoming society rooted in caring and respect, and committed to seeking justice for all people.

As a community, we are here to support each other, and as leaders, we will be continuing this dialogue as we enter a new academic year. We look forward to welcoming our new and returning students, faculty and staff to campus.

Sincerely,

Susan R. Wente
Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs

Tina Smith
Interim Vice Chancellor for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion