Sonoma State University

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Latest Update

Dear Seawolf Community,

Sonoma State University is committed to fostering a campus where every member of our community is treated with dignity and respect and has the opportunity to learn, work, and engage in an environment free from discrimination, harassment, and violence.

Recent incidents of anti-Jewish hate on our campus involving swastikas and other reported conduct have raised concerns about antisemitism. In one incident, a small swastika made from chalk dust was discovered in a hallway. In another, a swastika was found in a graduate reading room and appears to have been drawn on the whiteboard over the summer. A report also has been received of anti-Jewish language directed toward students.

The Office for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination (OPHD) and the Sonoma State University Police Department are aware of these incidents and are working with individuals who have reported concerns. Hate symbols and reports of biased conduct can have an impact beyond those who directly encounter them, particularly members of communities historically targeted by such symbols and language.

Harassment, discrimination, and acts of hate are contrary to our values and will not be tolerated. When concerns are reported, the university is committed to responding, connecting impacted individuals with resources and support, and taking appropriate action consistent with university policy.

These incidents are an important reminder of our shared responsibility to uphold our Seawolf Values: Integrity, Respect, Excellence, and Responsibility. These values call on each of us not simply to avoid harmful conduct, but to actively contribute to a community where we look out for one another, intervene when appropriate, and treat one another with dignity and respect.

Coming Together as a Community
In response to these recent concerns, the Seawolf community is invited to come together in solidarity for a Restorative Circle - Brave Space on Tuesday, October 13 at noon in 200A International Hall. This gathering will provide an opportunity to connect as a community, reaffirm our shared values, hold space for those impacted by harm, and talk about the role each of us can play in creating a safer and more respectful campus.

Community members are encouraged to look out for one another and to reach out when support is needed. Students, faculty, and staff who have experienced or been affected by discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, sexual violence, retaliation, or incidents of bias are encouraged to connect with OPHD, who can provide you with resources and options, including supportive measures. You do not need to file a complaint to receive support, resources, or assistance. You may also file a separate criminal complaint with the Sonoma State University Police Department.  When there is an immediate safety concern, please contact the University Police Department.

Resources:

Members of our community may be looking for additional opportunities to learn, seek support, or report incidents. The following external resources may be helpful:

  • International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) – Resources for Holocaust education, remembrance, and understanding antisemitism: https://holocaustremembrance.com/
  • Report Campus Hate – A resource for reporting and responding to antisemitism and hate affecting Jewish students and campus communities: https://www.reportcampushate.org/
  • Anti-Defamation League (ADL) – A resource for reporting antisemitic, biased, or discriminatory incidents and accessing additional support: https://www.adl.org/report-incident
  • Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) Bay Area – Educational resources and information related to antisemitism, Jewish communities, and responding to hate: https://jcrc.org/resources/

Thank you for helping to foster a Sonoma State community grounded in integrity, respect, responsibility, belonging, and care for one another.

Warmly,

Signature of Michael Spagna

Archive

Dear Seawolves,

The recent allegations regarding Cesar Chavez are deeply troubling and warrant every consideration, not only on behalf of those making these specific allegations but also out of respect and concern for every victim of sexual violence, abuse, harassment, and misconduct.

Good day Seawolves,

I join the Sonoma State community in mourning the passing of Marcus Ziemer, a legend in the North Bay soccer community and a coach for 36 years at SSU – including 35 seasons as head coach of our men’s soccer team, which he led to a NCAA Division II national championship in 2002.

Over the past year, the university convened an Athletics Consultation Task Force with the charge of exploring the future of athletics at Sonoma State University. Its work resulted in a white paper that recommended reinstating NCAA Division II competition. Moving in that direction, however, requires confidence that the program can be sustained through a sound financial model that supports its success long term.

ROHNERT PARK, Calif. – Sonoma State University is “reimagining” its future by developing new programs, revitalizing existing ones, and launching a fiscal feasibility study related to athletics, President Michael Spagna announced during a virtual media briefing Friday.

Spagna emphasized academic momentum, fiscal responsibility, and transparency as central to Sonoma State’s next chapter.

Michael E. Spagna, a longtime CSU administrator strongly committed to shared governance and student-centered outcomes, officially assumed the presidency of Sonoma State University today, becoming the 11th president in SSU’s 65-year history.