FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — While the University of Arkansas (U of A) campus is much quieter in the summer with most students back at home, some students and staff still visit the campus on a daily basis. But in early June, one building on campus had an unwanted visitor.
Now, police at U of A are investigating vandalism on campus that appears to target marginalized groups.
According to the University of Arkansas Police Department (UAPD), a staff member found two faculty doors in the College of Arts and Sciences Fulbright Dean's office vandalized last Thursday.
UAPD confirmed that authorities have identified two suspects caught on video, and the incident is still under investigation.
Dr. Najja Baptist, the Director of the African and African American Studies Program, released a statement on June 10 explaining the extent of the ordeal.
"I am writing to you today with a heavy heart regarding the appalling events that transpired in the Dean's office on June 6. We stand in solidarity with the Fulbright Dean's office. The defacement and vandalism that occurred are not only deeply disturbing but also utterly unacceptable in our community," the statement said.
Baptist's statement says that the vandalism includes written language promoting racism and stereotypes, the carving of a swastika, and the etching of the word "gay" onto the door, as well as decorations promoting inclusion being torn off.
"These actions are not only acts of hatred but also a direct assault on the values of diversity, inclusion, and respect that we hold dear in the AAST community," Baptist said. "We, as a program, stand firmly against any form of discrimination, hate speech, or acts of violence. Such behavior has no place in our academic community and goes against everything we strive to uphold."
Baptist tells 5NEWS that this incident isn't unique.
"This is not an isolated event. If you look at the last five years that I've been at the University of Arkansas, there have been a myriad of events that have occurred, racial events, racially charged, events that are disparately impacting people of color, particularly black and brown people," Baptist explained.
Baptist adds multiple students have contacted him with concerns about their safety on campus.
Jordyn Releford, a rising fifth-year at the university, says that feeling unsafe as a woman of color on campus is not a new feeling.
"I wasn't shocked but very, extremely disappointed, because, again, when you choose a college, you want it to be your safe haven, because this is a school that you look up forward to," Releford said. "You look to be a part of this organization, but at the same time, you know, living in Arkansas, living in the South, especially as a black student, I'm not surprised at all."
Baptist says in order to move forward, the university's response needs to be robust.
"I think the university will have to take precautions on having a firm response. More than just the Dean's office needs to respond. The Chancellor's office needs to respond. The Office of Compliance, Title IX Office, everybody needs to reply and kind of show a solidarity with the Dean's office," Baptist said.
In Baptist's statement, he urges students to use the incident as a "catalyst."
"Let us use this unfortunate event as a catalyst for positive change and reaffirm our commitment to building a community that celebrates diversity, promotes inclusivity, and values respect for all," the statement said.
What comes next is holding those responsible accountable for their actions.
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