FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Since Wednesday, April 11, two nooses were found on the University campus. These incidents were reported to University Police, and an investigation is ongoing. This type of speech will not be tolerated. The University strives to create and maintain a community that is free of harassment, intimidation and/or humiliation for all students, faculty and staff.
Students were informed of the first incident via email by the vice president of student affairs on Saturday. The person(s) responsible may be subject to multiple criminal charges and, if the perpetrator is a student, disciplinary action by the University, up to and including expulsion.
The University Police Department has increased police patrols on campus and is actively looking for anyone behaving suspiciously.
UWF faculty, staff, students and visitors are encouraged to report suspicious activity to the University Police Department at 850-474-2415. Those with information may also submit an anonymous report via the UWF Police Department Silent Witness service online at http://uwf.edu/uwfpolice/silentwitness.cfm.
Messages to students, faculty and staff will list resources available on campus, such as the Just 2 It program (after-hours campus escort – http://uwf.edu/staysafe/), counseling services, and in addition, the UWF Office of Inclusion Services and Programs will host a discussion on discrimination on Wednesday, April 18 at 7:08 p.m. in the Conference Center. The event is open to the public.
For more information, contact Michelle Henderson at mhenderson2@uwf.edu or 850-377-0012.
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Kelly Russ
Assistant Director of Communication
University Communications and External Relations
University of West Florida
850-474-2658
uwf.edu/think