On Saturday, March 7, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) was notified that a flyer providing guidance about how individuals can prevent the spread of coronavirus was vandalized with racist innuendo. The flyer, which was posted in Bird Library, includes a tip to avoid being around people who are sick. Next to this tip, the vandal wrote the word “Chinese.” Images of this incident have since been posted on social media by community members. There is no additional information at this time.
Given the quick spread of coronavirus and the uncertainty and fear it’s creating, DPS wants remind all students, faculty and staff to review the CDC anti-stigma guidelines issued recently regarding coronavirus. The CDC advises that we collectively focus on the disease that is causing the problem and avoid casting blame on individuals, cultures or nationalities. For example, as we have reported on multiple occasions, if you see an individual wearing a protective mask on campus that does not mean the individual is sick, but likely taking extra precautions to protect themselves. This is common in many countries and cultures and should not be ridiculed, judged or stigmatized.
There is no additional information at this time. If you have information about this incident or others, please call the DPS at 315.443.2224. If you would like to anonymously report NON-EMERGENCY information for DPS, you can use the Silent Witness tool. To report a bias incident or to receive support, visit the Stop Bias website.
As a reminder, the Department of Public Safety continues to actively investigate the bias incidents that have occurred on our campus. A reward is still available, thanks to the generosity of a concerned donor, for those who provide information that leads to the identification of a responsible individual.