It has happened three times this semester. Vandals painted messages of hate on Eastern Michigan University’s Campus. They painted things like ”KKK” and the words “Leave N——s” on campus.
Students say they fear the hateful words are threats of action.
“I was very much afraid,” said Calvin Orr II, a student.
“I felt unsafe,” said Jolene Reddick, a student who has to walk by the site of the vandalism to get to class.
“What if those people are over there? What if they try to attack me? I shouldn’t have to feel that way on my campus,” said Marcus Laguere, a student.
Laguere took part in a protest against the vandalism, calling for action from the university earlier this month. He says instead of getting action, he and other protesters were punished, sanctioned for refusing to leave a university building at closing time.
“Campus shouldn’t be trying to punish us for peaceful protesting. They should be standing behind us,” said Laguere.
He was there on Monday as EMU took one step towards that.
Hundreds of students came to a ten-hour-long “Know Justice, Know Peace” Teach-In. Professors spoke about how to fight racism and discrimination.
“We can create solutions and that is what the university is for,” said Victor Lewis, a visiting instructor.
“I think this is very much a step in the right direction,” said Orr.
In the meantime, the vandals have not yet been brought to justice.
Eastern Michigan University is offering a $10,000 reward for information that leads to the vandals arrest and conviction. EMU Police are investigating.
