On Jan. 26, 2026, The Plainsman published a Letter to the Editor which depicted a college aged male student stating, "All the Mexicans out, all the Mexicans out: shoot 'em all!"
Upon posting this letter, Auburn University released a statement to students via email. This email's subject was "Commitment to a campus environment grounded in respect, responsibility and care for one another." It reads as follows:
Auburn's statement on "respect, responsibility and care for one another."
Upon reading the statement, The Plainsman reached out to Jennifer Adams, Vice President for Public Affairs, Communication & Marketing for Auburn University, with the following questions.
- We know the letter we published was also sent to the president. Was the university's email a response to this professor's letter?
- Is this individual (once again assumed to be a student) being sought out by the University?
- If yes: What action should be expected to be taken?
- If language like this is being used on campus, how should protestors and other community members expect to feel safe?
Adams refused to answer these questions as well as refused to issue a statement. Instead, she replied: "The email that was sent to students, faculty and staff yesterday from President Roberts and Kevin Robinson is the university’s statement."
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Brychelle Brooks, senior majoring in public and professional writing with a minor in information systems, has been with The Auburn Plainsman since August 2023. She previously served as the Campus Reporter, Opinion Editor and Newsletter Editor. She is currently serving as the Editor-in-Chief.
