Cuomo says SU Chancellor has not appropriately handled racist incidents on campus
Governor Andrew Cuomo responded with a statement as the investigation continues into a racist manifesto that appeared on campus at Syracuse University.
Here’s his statement:
“This nation faces many issues, but at the top of the list is the growing racial, ethnic and religious division that attempts to make diversity a weakness rather than a strength.
“We see it all across the nation and even across the great state of New York. Anti-Semitic, anti-African American, anti-Muslim American, anti-LGBTQ, anti-Asian American, anti-Italian American incidents and more have all increased.
“Hate groups like the Proud Boys (better referred to as the Bigot Boys) claimed responsibility for actions in New York City just this week. Our policy must be ‘Zero Tolerance.’
“The hateful activities at Syracuse University are most disturbing, not only to the Syracuse University community, but to the greater community of New York. They have not been handled in a manner that reflects this state’s aggressive opposition to such odious, reckless, reprehensible behavior. That these actions should happen on the campus of a leading New York university makes this situation even worse.
“Despite his efforts, I do not believe Chancellor Syverud has handled this matter in a way that instills confidence.
“I believe the Board of Trustees of Syracuse University should immediately bring in an experienced monitor with the relevant expertise to effectively investigate these incidents, clearly communicate the facts with the Board and to the State Police Hate Crimes Task Force and recommend a decisive strategy to address both the specific incidents and behavior. In the meantime, I am directing the Task Force to expand their previous investigations to include the recent reports of a white supremacist ‘manifesto’ being digitally disseminated to Syracuse University students in cooperation with other law enforcement agencies. “As we have learned repeatedly, these increasing exhibitions of hate and bigotry must be handled strongly, swiftly and justly. That must be both the reality and the perception. Syracuse University and its leadership have failed to do that. It is your obligation to remedy the situation immediately.”
Officials say the manifesto also went to students’ phones
The Department of Public Safety (DPS) has received multiple reports of a document purported to be a white supremacist manifesto being posted in an online forum and allegedly “airdropped” to several cell phones of individuals sitting at Bird Library.
No individual has reported directly receiving the airdropped document at this time.
This report comes after another racist incident on the campus was reported Monday night. Officers say racist graffiti using language derogatory to African Americans was found on the 5th floor of Day Hall. DPS says they are interviewing residents.
If you personally received the document through an AirDrop, please contact the Department of Public Safety immediately at (315)443-2224.
Fraternity members linked to racist incident, SU suspends all fraternity social activities
After at least six racially-biased incidents at Syracuse University beginning November 7th, the school is taking the steps necessary to move forward.
Around 6:00 am Sunday morning, a statement was sent to all students, faculty and staff from Chancellor Kent Syverud, suspending all fraternity social activities until the end of the semester and school year.
This comes after the Department of Public Safety linked several members of a campus fraternity to at least one of the racial incidents that have taken place on S-U’s campus. DPS reportedly identified the individuals using security camera footage, eyewitness accounts, and interviews.
Shawn Depaz, a senior at Syracuse says, “I honestly kind of just think it’s a band aid to the issue. I think it might prevent certain things because they can’t get together, and that might prevent things from happening, but it doesn’t really address the underlying issues that are plant the campus right now of people just not respecting each other.”
Syracuse University beefs up security, offers $50,000 in rewards following racial incidents
Syracuse University officials are increasing security and offering $50,000 in reward money to fight racial incidents on campus.
In an eight-minute video, Chancellor Kent Syverud commented on how SU has suspended social activities for all fraternities for the semester. That decision came after a racist verbal abuse of a female African-American student.
“We have identified the individuals we believe to be involved,” Syverud said. “I assure you those responsible will face appropriate disciplinary action.”
The university has reacted in the last week to a spate of hateful language spread on the walls of its buildings and in the snow across from a luxury student housing building. Racist graffiti has been found in academic buildings or residence halls several days last week.
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