President responds to campus incidents
By now many of you have read or heard about an incident on our campus on Monday evening, Dec. 4. As is usually the case, rumors accompany such incidents leading to misinformation.
In the interests of open and accurate communication, I want to clarify for you what the college is doing to address this situation.
An altercation between students did occur. The police were called and served effectively in discharging their duties. We appreciate the help local authorities have been to us on this and other matters.
While it is unfortunate that incidents like this occur, the important thing is that we deal with those incidents in a timely and appropriate manner.
That means that we will hold people accountable, seek to respond in a way which is restorative, and serve the best interests of the campus and broader community. That has happened in this instance.
I have talked to some parents of students involved in this incident. I have also discussed this matter with several of our faculty, staff, and students. It grieves everyone when young men and women, so full of promise, make decisions that are detrimental to themselves and those around them.
We can only hope that something may yet be learned from this experience. Certainly we have all benefited from the "gospel of the second chance." I invite you to pray with us for the students and families involved, as well as for the entire Tabor family.
The mission of Tabor College is "preparing people for a life of learning, work and service for Christ and his kingdom." Even in the midst of these trying times, the evidence that this mission is being fulfilled is all around us. Be assured that our faculty and staff are passionate about this purposeful mission.
I want to thank the people of Hillsboro and the surrounding area for your support. We renew our pledge to you that we will deal with incidents like these in a way which reflects our values as a Christ-centered community and in such a way that you can be proud of Tabor College.
Larry W. Nikkel
