Spring 2021
WHAT HAPPENED – WHITE SUPREMACY GROUP VANDALIZED CAMPUS
On Friday, April 3, 2021 the Racism is a Sin - Black Lives Matter sign in front of Bellarmine Chapel was destroyed for the second time and racist propaganda stickers were placed around campus. XUPD reported that two banners were damaged and the stations of the cross and other signs were knocked down. The stickers appeared to be the same as those that were used to vandalize campus in January 2021. Two individuals were observed in security camera footage and are believed to have been on campus for approximately 10-15 minutes, exiting campus on foot between approximately 10:10 pm and 10:25 pm. The individuals are not believed to be Xavier students or connected to the University in any way. XUPD continues to work with regional partners in investigating the actions of this extremist group to identify the individuals responsible for these actions.
An XU Alert Me was released on Friday evening informing the XU community of the incident and a follow up XU Alert Me was released on Saturday morning providing additional information.
Anyone who may have information about this incident is encouraged to contact XUPD, the Dean of Students office or to submit a student concern report at www.xavier.edu/studentconcern
WHAT HAPPENED – WHITE SUPREMACY GROUP VANDALIZED CAMPUS
On Saturday, January 30, 2021 several reports came in regarding vandalism to a sign outside of Bellarmine Chapel which read “Racism is a Sin: Black Lives Matter,” and the placement of stickers advocating for a white nationalist hate group that actively advocates for violence against minorities. The messages included “CONQUERED, NOT STOLEN,” “RECLAIM AMERICA,” “BETTER DEAD THAN RED,” and others.
XUPD removed approximately 12 stickers from campus structures and continued to search campus for additional stickers/vandalism. An XU Alert Me was released on Saturday evening informing the XU community that XUPD and campus leadership were aware and actively investigating the incident. On Sunday evening, the University posted a brief statement on all of its social media channels condemning the attack. A more detailed message to the community was sent from Father Graham further addressing the attack on the Xavier community.
XUPD continues to investigate this incident. Anyone who may have information about this incident is encouraged to contact XUPD, the Dean of Students office or to submit a student concern report at www.xavier.edu/studentconcern
HOW HAS THE BIAS ADVISORY RESPONSE TEAM RESPONDED?
BART was informed of the incident and determined that it meets the University’s definition of a bias incident. BART encourages all members of the Xavier community to access campus resources.
Student support resources:
- CDI Open Space: Stop by the CDI in GSC 280 on Wednesday from 1pm - 4pm for facilitated dialogue and small group conversation to process, respond to, and protect your energy in response to the bias incident on campus this weekend with CDI Staff. This space will also be open on Thursday and Friday from 1pm - 4pm with Xavier counselors.
- Honoring Black Lives: A celebration of Black lives through music, food, art, and entertainment hosted by SAC and BSA on Wednesday from 6-8pm on the 4th floor of the HUB.
- Counseling Services - Let's Talk: Mondays 9am - 11am, Wednesdays 2pm - 4pm, and Fridays 2pm - 4pm. No appointment is necessary and it is first come, first served. Call 513-745-3022, option 2 for more information.
- Care Management Services – available by appointment. Call 513-745-4391 or 513-745-2994.
Faculty/Staff support resources:
Aspiring Anti-Racist Allies (AARA) opens its bi-weekly meeting to faculty and staff who would like to process Saturday’s bias incident. Please join us this Friday, February 5, from 9:30-11:00 a.m., as we will have facilitated discussion about the white supremacist group that vandalized our campus. Contact Tracey DuEst for meeting access or any questions.
WHAT HAPPENED – REPORT OF STICKER REMOVED FROM VEHICLE
The Dean of Students received a report concerning the removal of a LGBTQ+ pride sticker from a student’s car while the car was parked on campus.
HOW HAS THE BIAS ADVISORY RESPONSE TEAM RESPONDED?
BART was informed of the incident and determined that it meets the University’s definition of a bias incident due to the nature of the sticker that was stolen.
WHAT HAPPENED – REPORT OF TRANSPHOBIC AND HOMOPHOBIC LANGUAGE
The Dean of Students received a report concerning a student’s use of transphobic and homophobic language in a residence hall. The student was observed on multiple occasions using trans- and homophobic language on the phone and on video chat while in shared space.
HOW HAS THE BIAS ADVISORY RESPONSE TEAM RESPONDED?
BART was informed of the incident and determined that it meets the University’s definition of a bias incident due to the nature of the language described in the report. The matter has been referred to the Dean of Students for follow-up.
WHAT HAPPENED – REPORT OF HOMOPHOBIC LANGUAGE DURING VIRTUAL CLASS MEETING
The Dean of Students and the Title IX Office received multiple reports concerning use of homophobic language during a virtual class meeting. A student in the class used a homophobic slur to refer to another student.
HOW HAS THE BIAS ADVISORY RESPONSE TEAM RESPONDED?
BART was informed of the incident and determined that it meets the University’s definition of a bias incident due to the nature of the language used described in the reports. The matter has been referred to the Dean of Students for follow-up.
WHAT HAPPENED – REPORT OF RACIST LANGUAGE ON SOCIAL MEDIA
The Dean of Students received a report concerning the use of racist language used by two Xavier students on social media. Screenshots shared by the reporting party capture an exchange between the two students; this exchange invokes racist ideas about slavery, and about police violence against Black Americans.
HOW HAS THE BIAS ADVISORY RESPONSE TEAM RESPONDED?
BART was informed of the incident and determined that it meets the University’s definition of a bias incident due to the nature of the language used in the screenshots. The matter has been referred to the Dean of Students for follow-up.
WHAT HAPPENED – REPORT OF ABLEIST LANGUAGE
The Dean of Students received a report that a Xavier student was heard stating "that's f-ing retarded" during a zoom meeting. The reporting party indicated that the student who made the comment was unaware that their microphone was on.
HOW HAS THE BIAS ADVISORY RESPONSE TEAM RESPONDED?
BART was informed of the incident and determined that it meets the University’s definition of a bias incident due to the nature of the language used in the meeting. The matter has been referred to the Dean of Students for follow-up.