DALLAS -- Texas A&M University announced Wednesday that it had wrapped up an investigation into reports of racial slurs against a group of Dallas high schoolers visiting the campus in February.
A student who was questioned as part of the investigation is no longer associated with the university, according to a letter from Texas A&M President Michael K. Young. By law, the university was unable to release more details about the student, according to Young’s letter.
The university is also launching new initiatives aimed at creating a more inclusive culture on campus, including mandatory seminars for all students.
The changes come after reports that at least one Texas A&M student used a racial slur derogatory towards black people last month to taunt high schoolers visiting from Uplift Hampton Preparatory in Dallas.
“As a leading institution of higher education, we are the vanguard in affecting positive change in the attitudes and actions of future generations,” Young wrote. “We are called upon to lead our communities and make a difference because the consequences of such acts are intolerable. This change is essential in our ability to thrive and grow as our world diversifies.”
State Sen. Royce West, D – Dallas, had called for the university to expel any student who used the racial slur against the high schoolers.
While it is not clear whether the student was expelled, West said he was satisfied with the outcome of the investigation during a news conference Wednesday at his office in Dallas.
“I think the university, by making sure the student is no longer there, is setting the tone for what will happen if individuals are engaged in that type of behavior in the future,” West said.
West also referenced the letters Texas A&M students sent to the high schoolers, expressing their outrage at the incident and their solidarity with the students.
A separate police investigation has also wrapped up with no charges filed. However, police said if new evidence comes out, they would reopen the investigation.
University police say they’re stepping up training after questions about how the initial call was handled. They say they have found no evidence of video of the incident, as some had previously reported.
West planned to meet Wednesday afternoon with the high schoolers involved. Some of them still plan to attend Texas A&M.
You can view Young’s full letter at this link.