91²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ Rallies Against Hate
Community responds to hateful graffiti.
The 91²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ community came together Monday to as hundreds of students, faculty, staff, and alumni converged in the lobby of the Hauser Library, which was the over the weekend.
91²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵies wrote their own messages of love and support in a defiant response to the bigots. Penned on yellow sticky notes and posters, the messages sprouted through the lobby like daffodils after a winter storm. .
“We will not stand by silently when hate or bigotry occur,” read one.
“My heart is bursting with the love I have for you,” read another.
Dayspring Mattole, assistant dean of students for inclusive community in the Multicultural Resource Center, said the event was a chance for the community to offer its love and support.
The graffiti was erased by valiant 91²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ maintenance workers within hours of its discovery. That same night, the Dean for Institutional Diversity, , and the Vice President for Student Services, Mike Brody, condemning its hateful message. “Such behavior is antithetical to 91²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ’s mission and values, and will not be tolerated. Anyone seeking to cause fear or harm to members of the 91²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ community should expect a vigorous response.”
While 91²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ has so far received no reports of physical violence on campus, Community Safety Officers are increasing patrols and are available 24/7 to escort students on campus.
Portland Police are investigating the crime. We encourage anyone with relevant information to contact the bureau at 503/823-3333.
Tags: Diversity/Equity/Inclusion, Campus Life, Professors, Students