Department of Public Safety Working to Substantiate Anonymous Bias Report

Syracuse University’s Department of Public Safety (DPS) is actively investigating a bias report that was submitted through the Stop Bias Portal. The reported incident allegedly occurred on one of the student floors in the Sheraton. According to the report, an anonymous individual said they heard what they believed to be a racial slur coming from inside one of the rooms on their floor. The anonymous individual did not provide any other details.

Upon receiving this report, DPS officers visited the Sheraton, speaking with every student that lives on the floor. DPS has also reviewed camera footage in the area as well as other electronic data. At this time, the investigation has been unable to substantiate that the incident occurred as no individuals have shared first-hand accounts. Still, the University takes all reported bias incidents seriously and investigates each complaint fully.

“Our investigations team has spoken with students who live on the floor,” says Craig Stone, DPS chief and associate vice president. “Unfortunately, no students with whom we spoke report hearing or observing the alleged incident. If you, or anyone you know, witnessed this behavior, we ask that you reach out to us right away. Without a witness or victim, reaching a resolution can be especially difficult.”

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 Orange Safe mobile app. Additionally, if you or someone you know has been affected by a bias incident, the following resources are available: