CRIME, POLICE + COURTS
Hate crime at U of U being investigated after students shouted racial slur
Nov 26, 2021, 5:11 PM | Updated: Dec 29, 2022, 11:54 am
Students at the University of Utah got to participate in a counterterrorism simulation last weekend. (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY — Earlier this week, officials with the University of Utah announced campus police are investigating a hate crime that took place, involving two students using a racial slur toward a contract worker.
According to a statement from the university’s equity, diversity and inclusion department, the incident took place at the end of September. Officials say, a contract worker was making a delivery to the loading dock at the residence hall.
According to the university statement, as the delivery worker proceeded with his job, two students above the loading dock began shouting racial slurs at the worker. The statement also says they threw sunflower seeds and a coffee pot out the window toward the worker below.
The worker immediately reported the incident to the university. From there, the university was able to identify the individuals involved in the incident and hold them accountable.
However, the university statement doesn’t identify those individuals involved in the incident. It also doesn’t state how they are being held accountable.
President Taylor Randall issued the following statement in response to the incident: “Let me be clear, racist and hateful behavior on our campus is an offense to our entire community, particularly our communities of color. These actions will be called out for what they are—behaviors rooted in hate and racism. I will remain steadfast and vocal in our working with our leadership team to create a safe, welcoming and equitable campus that fosters values of respect, diversity, inclusivity and belonging. I encourage everyone on our campus to do the same,” the statement read.
The university encourages everyone on campus to speak up and be vigilant. If you witness a potential hate crime, or an on the receiving end, you are asked to make as many notes as you can about the encounter. And then report it to campus police.
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