(UPDATED WITH CHANCELLOR SYVERUD RESPONSE)
Syracuse City Police and FBI agents made public statements today that they are working together to follow up on the positing of a white supremacist manifesto that was posted on a digital media site and sent via air drop to students at a Syracuse University library.
"SPD was first notified by DPS. We do not believe there is a direct threat to anyone at the university or around the university, ... based on what we know today. ... We take anything that makes them feel unsafe very seriously," said SPD Chief Kenton Buckner
He added that they cannot rule out that the posting of the message is related to past racist incidents. Buckner notes law enforcement is trying to determine the author of the manifesto, while also trying to ensure there are no viable threats to the universtiy or within the City of Syracuse.
Meanwhile Governor Andrew Cuomo suggests the SU Board of Trustees bring in a professional monitor to investigate the spate of hate crimes. In a release, Cuomo expressed a lack of confidence in how leadership is handling the crisis.
"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."
Cuomo says an experienced monitor could more effectively convey information to the State Police Hate Crimes Task force and develop a strategy to address the numerous incidents of racist graffiti, racial slurs, swastikas and the latest incident, the white supremacist manifesto digitally distributed.
"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."
State trooper patrol cars have been seen on campus, as the Hate Crimes Task Force responded last week, at Cuomo's behest, after the first incidents of racist graffiti were made public.
Students at a campus speak-out say they do not feel safe on campus. Many are not going to classes. And several professors have canclled classes, saying their students' sense of safety is more important than any on lesson plan.
SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY'S ONGOING RESPONSE
Chancellor Syverud Tuesday responded to demands of students who were part of the sit-in protest over the past week by committing money, improved communication and other diversity and inclusion measures.
"As Chancellor, I take very seriously these immediate priorities, and commit to promptly achieving them, as well as to supporting the other important measures in the responses," Syverud said in a release.
Among other steps, Syverud promised:
(read entire set of responses & actions here)
- $1 million for divrsity curriculum development
- Change to the code of o=conduct
- Extensive resources to ensure safety of students
- Improved communication and transparency
University officials and the Department of Public Safety have updated the campus community about the incidents. They are also relating efforts to increase safety on campus and for students, including:
- Doubled patrols
- Stationed DPS vehicles strategically around campus
- Dedicated and increased walking patrols to all residence halls and campus buildings
Those efforts come on the heels of a previous increase in officers' shifts and broadening of services to offer escorts or rides for students.
