Syracuse University’s Department of Public Safety (DPS) is actively investigating reports of hateful and threatening messages directed toward the Buddhist community on the social media site Discord.
Since receiving this report, DPS has taken steps in an ongoing effort to identify the individual or individuals responsible. Actions by DPS include the following:
- Contacted the reporting party to gather additional information and offer support
- Conducted multiple interviews
- Reviewed activity on the Discord page where the disturbing messages were posted
- Engaged the assistance of the Syracuse Police Department
- Submitted a formal complaint to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center
- Alerted the New York State Police Bias Task Force
- Filed a subpoena request with the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office
“We condemn any attempts to threaten or intimidate any members of our campus community. Everyone should feel welcomed and safe, whether engaging in person or in virtual spaces. We have reached out to those impacted to provide support and assistance at this time,” says Allen Groves, senior vice president and chief student experience officer. “Should we learn that anyone responsible for these actions is affiliated with the University, we will take action to hold them accountable. I appreciate the work of DPS and other law enforcement agencies as they investigate this matter.”
There are no suspects at this time. Anyone with information about this incident should contact DPS at 315.443.2224. Anonymous tips can be reported to DPS through the Silent Witness tool or the Rave Guardian mobile app.
The University recognizes how these incidents can affect individuals and communities, particularly the most marginalized. If you or someone you know has been affected by a bias incident, there are resources available:
- Support services are available at the Barnes Center at The Arch by calling 315.443.8000.
- To report a bias incident or to receive support, visit the Stop Bias website or call 315.443.3514 or email stopbias@syr.edu.
- Additional resources are available by contacting the following:
- Office of Equal Opportunity, Inclusion and Resolution Services: 315.443.4018, EqualOpp@syr.edu
- Center for International Services: 315.443.2457, international@syr.edu
- Student Outreach and Retention – Support Services: 315.443.4357, studentsupport@syr.edu
- Multicultural Affairs: 315.443.0228, oma@syr.edu
- Winnick Hillel Center for Jewish Life: 315.422.5082, hillel@syr.edu
- LGBTQ Resource Center: 315.443.0228, lgbt@syr.edu
- Disability Cultural Center: 315.443.0228, sudcc@syr.edu
- Hendricks Chapel: 315.443.2901, chapel@syr.edu