Oregon Public Broadcasting

A day after George Fox University staff uncovered a racially-charged display on campus, the university president publicly condemned it and called for dialogue.

Tuesday morning, campus authorities found a cardboard cutout of Senator Barack Obama hanging from a tree by a fishing line.

Attached to the candidate’s likeness was a message reading “Act Six reject.”

Act Six is a national program used at the predominantly white Christian college to boost low-income and minority student representation.

George Fox president, Robin Baker, addressed students this morning at a packed chapel assembly.

Robin Baker: “Whoever put the cardboard piece up yesterday was wrong, and I want you to know that I condemn it in the strongest terms. Our board met and affirmed our commitment to the Act Six program, and to making George Fox a place that more broadly reflects the Kingdom of God. We want you to know that what happened yesterday is not appropriate dialogue on our campus, and I just won’t tolerate such displays.”

After the service, university officials said that they’re investigating, to find the people responsible. They’re encouraging students to talk about diversity and ethnic sensitivity, and they’re leading such discussions next week.

Act Six students say they were initially angered by the display, but believe it was an isolated incident.