FLINT, MI -- An ongoing investigation by local and federal law enforcement into racist graffiti found at a Kettering University residence hall has led to classes being canceled on Tuesday, March 13.

Letters sent out to Kettering staff, faculty, and students note at least two incidents of racist and profane graffiti have been reported in less than one week at Thompson Hall, a four-story, on-campus facility.

The graffiti -- including writings on a bathroom wall at the residence hall -- were reported Thursday, March 8, and Sunday, March 11, to university officials and immediately removed.

Robert McMahan, president of Kettering University, states in a March 11 letter to students, faculty, and staff that he is "deeply upset by these incidents, for the pain this has caused the students to whom these messages were directed, and for the hurt this has caused to our entire campus community."

He called the acts "unacceptable" and the actions of those responsible "abhorrent to me and to us as a community and they run counter to our values and the very fiber of our being as an institution."

"Words and actions such as these have no place at our University, nor do those who would perpetrate such an act," said McMahan in a letter dated March 9, noting all Thompson Hall residents took part in meetings after the first incident.

A town hall originally scheduled for March 13 for all students to discuss the issue has been canceled as the investigation continues, but it is expected to be rescheduled in the near future.

McMahan, who is cutting short a trip to Asia on university business to return to campus, encouraged all members of the university's community to use the day "to meet informally to support each other and how we as an institution and as individuals must live our values in everything that we do."

He also expressed pride in the response by students, in particular the National Society of Black Engineers, Black Unity Council and other groups for coming together "to support each another to reaffirm the inclusiveness of our community."

Security has been enhanced at Thompson Hall and counseling services are available to students, faculty, and staff. Student Life staff are in contact with the affected students and their families.

Anyone with information on the incidents has been asked to contact L.B. McCune, Associate Dean of Students, at lbmccune@kettering.edu, Kettering University Campus Safety at 810-762-9501, or report a tip anonymously to 810-762-9565.