Update [Feb. 5, 2020]: Two of the identified individuals were found responsible and are being sanctioned.

A racial slur was found etched into frost on the back windshield of a vehicle parked in Chapel Glen on Monday, Jan. 20, 2020. The incident was reported to Housing and Residential Education officials, who immediately notified university administration and relevant offices.

After reviewing security footage, four university students were identified. The Office of the Dean of Students is seeking to determine the level of involvement of these four individuals and will hold those responsible accountable for their actions. Additionally, the Behavioral Intervention Team reviewed the incident to evaluate the threat level and to recommend appropriate actions. It was determined that the act was not targeted and there is no reason to believe there is an ongoing threat to the campus community.

The university’s disciplinary process is outlined below, and updates will be posted to this page as they become available. In cases where a criminal act has taken place and when the victim chooses to file a police report, the office works closely with police.

About the student code and violations of policy:

University students are expected to abide by the Student Code, which prohibits dishonesty, disruption, assault, theft, unauthorized use of resources or equipment, unauthorized entry into university premises, possession of controlled substances or alcohol and more. Students suspected of violating the policy are expected to cooperate in the investigation and resolution of the issue.

The process is designed to ensure that those harmed by a violation of policy are supported and that outcomes ensure the safety and protection of others on campus. It is also the university’s intention that students who violate the code learn from their mistakes, and the process is designed to be part of the student’s educational experience.

If the office determines that the student code was violated, appropriate resolutions/sanctions are set. These are intended to provide an appropriate response to the student misconduct and provide a learning opportunity. These are determined on a case-by-case basis and range from a written reprimand to fines to dismissal.

This process is currently taking place in regard to this incident. If more information that can be shared becomes available, this page will be updated. Student information is protected under the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), so specific details will not be available.

Resources:

Students, faculty, staff and visitors who believe they have been the target of bias, intolerance or discrimination may report an incident to the Office for Inclusive Excellence (bias and intolerance) or the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action (sexual misconduct and discrimination).

Below are some additional resources available to the campus community:

• University Counseling Center: 801-581-6826
• Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action: 801-581-8365
• Office of the Dean of Students: 801-581-7066
• Department of Public Safety(police): 801-585-COPS (2677)
• Center for Student Wellness
  • Bystander Intervention Trainings: 801-581-7776
  • Victim-Survivor Advocates: 801-581-7776
• Women’s Resource Center: 801-581-8030

The U is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion

The university’s senior leadership responded to this incident, and that statement can be found here.