The multiple agencies investigating incidents of racist graffiti, verbal attacks, and most recently, a manifesto released electronically are reassuring Syracuse University students and faculty that they’re not in danger. Officials say Monday night, someone airdropped what appeared to be copy of the manifesto written by the New Zealand mass shooter, which prompted a request for state police patrols in and around campus.
Even the FBI is investigating. SU DPS Chief Bobby Maldonado sought to reassure the campus community.
"We know that this is an unsettled time, and the community is anxious. But there is no direct threat. Our students our safe, our campus is safe. I should note that classes remain in session, and the university remains open."
However, some students simply aren’t going to class, and professors are cancelling classes. Syracuse Police Chief Kenton Buckner says as an African American male who attended a mostly white college, he can identify with some of the affected students.
"I get the fact that when you are on a campus and you go into a bathroom, and you see a derogatory term referring to you, that it would be unsettling to you. Then you couple that with the fact that you had this manifesto come out that had white supremacist threatening language, that would make anyone uncomfortable."
But Buckner urged patience as police continue their investigation and try to find those responsible. They have no suspects.
Chancellor Kent Syverud has come under heavy criticism from students, and now Governor Cuomo, for his response to the incidents. In a release, Cuomo says Syverud has not handled it in a way that instills confidence, though he offered no specifics. Buckner defended Syverud, whom he says is doing all he can to respond.
"You don't fix this kind of stuff overnight. It's very easy to be on the outside looking in giving instructions on how to wrestle an octopus. This is not easy stuff. I think it's unfair to put that on the chancellor's shoulders."
As he promised, Chancellor Syverud responded to the students at the campus sit-in who submitted a list of demands. In a detailed 11-page chart, he outlines each concern, the university’s response, and the university official or group charged with implementing the response.
(Read those recommendations and actions here)
The SU Board of Trustees also came to the support of Syverud, after the criticism from Cuomo. Chari Kathy Walters says he's been relentlessly focused on safety and real change.
"The Board of Trustees stands behind our Chancellor. We stand with our students. And we stand for what’s right. That commitment and tenacity is reflected in the comprehensive and thorough document the Chancellor delivered to our campus community earlier today. What he and members of his leadership team put forward is a plan with actionable solutions with real timelines, real deliverables, real resources and real accountability."
STUDENTS GRIPPED BY FEAR AS CRISIS GOES ON
The most recent developments in the ongoing spate of racist incidents at Syracuse University saw a white supremacist message, criticism of the administration’s handling of the crisis, and a grip of fear taking hold of many students and staff. A speak-out at neighboring SUNY E-S-F showed students don’t feel protected or supported.
“It’s just so upsetting to see the administration, both at ESF and SU are not doing the work that they could be doing. And us as students are losing tuition just so we can have an education that’s free of discrimination, that’s free of prejudice.”
Diversity and Inclusion Dean Kishi Animishaun Ducre (KEE-sha ANN-ih-mih-shawn due-CREE) is noticing impacts on students and staff.
“Students are scared; they’re very scared, they’re very worried. And on top of that real uncertainty and fear that they have, they’re exhausted by having to advocate for themselves.”
Students at a sit-in that started last week continue to protest. Chancellor Syverud visited them Tuesday after releasing a series of responses to student demands.
“I appreciate what I think has been extraordinarily constructive work by this group and also patient and peaceful work under circumstances of great stress. So I just stopped by and I am really eager to share in the responses you have to this (list of actions).”
S-U holds a forum tomorrow night at 6:00 in the Schine Student Center to discuss those actions. Meanwhile Syracuse Police say they’re working with the F-B-I and State Police to try and find the author of the white supremacist message.
