Spring 2018
What Happened? Move Out Threats and Use of Homophobic Slur [Closed]
On May 7, 2018, there were multiple engagement points between a RA, student resident, parent and a Hall Director that centered around the move out process. There seemed to be multiple disagreements about how to access the building. The primary RA involved experienced rudeness from the parent and admitted in turn probably not using the right words ("I don't know, that's not my problem") to communicate the rationale behind move out policies. After learning about this interaction, the resident approached and threatened the RA by saying, "I'll punch you in your fucking face, you fucking [insert f-word sexual slur]." As the RA walked away to continue loading his car to move out, the resident approached him again. There were a total of four RAs present who overheard and witnessed the interaction.
How has the Bias Advisory and Response Team Responded?
BART was made aware of the report through Res Life. The Dean of Students Office initiated an investigation of the incident and follow up with the students.
What Happened? Snapchat and Islamophobia [Closed and resolved]
On April 19, 2018, a student came across a Snapchat video that displayed three women students who had hoodies covering their head and a piece of cloth (maybe t-shirt) to cover their mouths--leaving their eyes and nose to be seen. In the video caption "Taliban" was written and accompanied by emojis of a man wearing a turban.
How has the Bias Advisory and Response Team Responded?
One of BART's co-chairs met with the student impacted. The Dean of Students Office initiated an investigation of the incident and follow up with the students.
What Happened? Items Thrown and Racial Slur Used From Car [Closed and resolved]
On April 18, 2018, four students (some of color and some who identify as white) were walking off campus Wednesday early evening. As the students were walking aluminum cans and a water bottle were thrown at them from a moving car. Accompanying the throwing of items was the use of the "N-word" directed at the students. The students reported the incident to XUPD. XUPD and Norwood police searched for the vehicle but it was not found. The people in the vehicle aren't assumed to be Xavier students.
How has the Bias Advisory and Response Team Responded?
BART was made aware of the incident by XUPD. They also followed up with the students impacted and met with one of them to offer support.
What Happened? Acts of Vandalism to Buenger Hall Signs [Closed pending new information]
On March 25, 2018 a resident of Buenger Hall reported three acts of vandalism to floor signage and a bulletin board. There were carved swastikas and a sketched penis on one sign.
How has the Bias Advisory and Response Team Responded?
BART was informed of the incident early Sunday evening. Since the incident was limited to a floor and inside the building, BART with the assistance of Res Life staff sent an email to inform residents of Buenger Hall about the incident. After images were taken and shared the signs were covered. The Dean of Students and XUPD investigated the matter but the identity of the responsible party was not obtained. Anyone who may possess additional information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Dean of Students office . For additional resources on understanding the legacy of the swastika check out the Anti-Defamation League and to understand its growth in use. To learn more about additional hate or intolerance symbols used today by alt-right groups visit the Southern Poverty Law Center.
What Happened? St. Patrick's Day Bulletin Board in Kuhlman Hall Vandalized By Using the "N-Word"[Closed pending new information]
As a resident assistant (RA) was leaving the hall around 10am on March 24, they noticed a bulletin board had been vandalized overnight. The word "nigger" was written next to a curved arrow that pointed towards the Lucky Charm leprechaun that was used on the St. Patrick's day themed bulletin board. A picture was taken by the RA and the image has since been removed.
How has the Bias Advisory and Response Team responded?
Since the incident took place over the weekend, limited to a floor and inside the building, BART with the assistance of Res Life staff sent an email to inform residents of Kuhlman Hall about the incident. The Dean of Students Office and XUPD conducted an investigation of the incident. Responsible individuals were not able to be identified. Given the amount of time that has passed, the active investigation is now closed. However, individuals who may have additional information regarding this incident are encouraged to make a report. For additional resources on understanding the legacy of the "n-word" and how to teach about it watch a short Ta-Nehisi Coates' video and read Dr. Neal Lester's work.
What Happened? Nazi/Swastika Flag Viewed From Residential Window [Closed and resolved]
On February 24, 2018 around midnight a student noticed outside of Husman Hall a Nazi/swastika flag being displayed from a resident's room. The student took a picture and immediately shared it with a hall director. Another hall director was made aware of the photo and made the official report.
How has the Bias Advisory and Response Team responded?
BART believed this to be an example of bias. A campus-wide email has been sent out to all Xavier staff, faculty and students to inform them of this incident. The Dean of Students Office investigated this incident, identified the responsible individual and facilitated a student conduct process in response to the behavior.
What Happened? GroupMe Sexuality Slur [Closed and resolved]
On January 22, 2018 a student informed their RA about a GroupMe exchange between fellow residents that resulted in the sharing of a meme with celebratory Judge Judy and a statement that read, "You're a [sexuality slur starting with an F], case dismissed."
How has the Bias Advisory and Response Team responded?
After being informed of the report by Res Life staff, BART discussed available details and asked for additional information to determine if a person in the GroupMe exchange was targeted because of their sexuality. There was no evidence to support a student was being targeted because of their belonging to a sexual minority group. Nonetheless, BART does find the use of the slur to be problematic and fitting within their definition of bias. The Dean of Students has shared that the students involved are in the conduct process.