A racial slur against the Black community was found written on doors and whiteboards in the University of La Verne’s Citrus Residence Hall, President Devorah Lieberman told the community in a late Thursday email.
According to the email statement sent to students, faculty and staff, multiple incidents where this slur was used in this manner have occurred, dating back to mid-September.
“Racial slurs are dehumanizing and cruel, and are deeply rooted in racism, violence, and hatred,” she said in the statement. “They cause fear, anxiety, and pain for many of our friends, classmates, and coworkers whose lives continue to be affected by inequitable systems of oppression and power.”
In the most recent incident, Lieberman said, the slur was written in an exchange among friends and did not appear to be racially motivated.
The responsible individual has taken responsibility for their actions, Lieberman said.
None of the incidents were reported to the University staff, she added.
The incidents were reported to the La Verne Police Department, and University staff are working cooperatively with the Department to identify those responsible.
Any individual of the University community found to have taken part in these acts will be dealt with in accordance with the University’s policy and may also face legal consequences.
Student Affairs staff are providing direct support to students who have been affected by these incidents, and Campus Safety has increased patrol in the residence halls.
Additionally, residence hall staff members are organizing floor meetings and programming to address community expectations and to provide resources about hate speech and the steps for reporting incidents that violence the standards of conduct.
Diversity training for students and employees, as well as additional events and resources is offered through the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and other campus units.
Incidents of racism or discrimination of any kind should be reported to the Social Justice Awareness and Action report, to Campus Safety or the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
“The University of La Verne is committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment, which includes an expectation for a respectful treatment of all members of our community,” Lieberman said in the statement.
Anyone with information on the events should contact Campus Safety at 909-448-4950, or security@laverne.edu.
—Taylor Moore
Taylor Moore is a senior broadcast journalism major and Campus Times social media editor for Fall 2023. In her fifth semester on Campus Times, this is her second time serving as social media editor. She has also served as LV Life editor and staff writer.
