Update: The story was updated with student comments at 1:14 p.m. A statement from University House-Baton Rouge was added at 3:12 p.m.
LSU President F. King Alexander tweeted out a statement in response to an incident involving a racist message left on on an apartment door belonging to students at University House-Baton Rouge.
University House released this statement: “University House Baton Rouge was horrified to learn that someone left deeply offensive racist comments and symbols on an apartment door in our community on October 19. We are actively working with the Baton Rouge Police Department and our own security service to attempt to identify those responsible.
“Any University House residents found to have participated in this disgraceful act – or those hosting any guests found to have done so – will be evicted and banned from the community and we will support full criminal prosecution as well. University House and our management staff have zero tolerance for such an act and the hateful message it sent, which goes against everything we believe as a company and community. We will continue to protect the safety, security and full inclusion of all of our valued residents.”
Editor’s Note: The content below may be offensive to some viewers.
A message reading, “Go back 2 Africa N—-r monkeys,” was written on the back of a Halloween decoration hanging on the apartment door. The photo was tweeted late Wednesday evening.
Alexander tweeted his response Wednesday morning, saying: “I am sorry this happened to you. University House is a privately-owned, off-campus property outside of LSU’s control, but does not mean LSU cannot take action. The Baton Rouge Police Department is currently investigating the crime. If the culprit is not a student, we will contact the district attorney for swift action. If an LSU student did this, they will be prosecuted under the Student Code of Conduct, with ramifications including expulsion. Let me be clear: LSU does not tolerate this behavior. Your safety and security is our priority. We’ll discuss further when we meet later this morning.”
Clarke Perkins, who works as a columnist for The Daily Reveille, said Alexander offered alternative housing. Perkins released this statement:
“President Alexander asked me to meet with him to assure my roommates and I that the University’s administration would be taking immediate action. As he stated in his tweet this morning, he plans to find the criminal and not only expel them, but also hand them over to the DA’s office. He also plans to put pressure on University House and demand they begin caring for and protecting the University’s students.
“When I mentioned the safety of my roommates and I, President Alexander immediately offered alternative housing options. I’m extremely pleased in the University’s support and its actions to show that such hate won’t be tolerated, even with incidents that are considered off-campus. His prompt response, call to action and concern exemplifies leadership needed by a university president.”
LSU president responds to racist incident at University House-Baton Rouge
October 20, 2016
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