SAN ANTONIO – Longtime University of Incarnate Word President Dr. Lou Agnese was removed from his position Monday.
"Recent comments by Dr. Agnese are not consistent with the traditions and values of the University and cannot be condoned," a statement issued on Friday said.
According to a letter sent last week to KSAT 12 News from a student, Agnese allegedly made several racial remarks during a campus luncheon Monday.
Among the alleged racial remarks, Agense is said to have made called attention to a black woman who wasn't wearing the school's colors.
"Well, you're lucky you're black, so you are in a way wearing cardinal black," the student said in the letter.
The student went on to say that Agnese told a Native American student that "Indian red skin color would also count as wearing cardinal red."
Agnese had been university president since 1985.
In a statement, from the Sisters of Charity Congregational Leader, Sr. Teresa Maya, she said they were grateful for Agnese’s leadership.
Mobile users click here to watch the video statement in its entirety.
“We are grateful for the 30 years Dr. Agnese has been collaborating with us in meeting the needs of those we serve… Our prayers and thoughts are with Dr. Agnese, his family and the entire university community at this this time.”
Chairman of the Board of Trustees Charles Lutz, said Agnese was a transformative president.
During this 31 years leading UIW, the school grew from fewer than 1,300 students. It now boasts more than 11,000 students.
Dr. Denise Doyle will continue to serve as acting president. The board said it will conduct a nationwide search for a new university leader.