WHITEWATER, Wis. — A video is going viral on social media, showing a group of people shouting racist comments outside of Knilans Hall on the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater’s campus on Sunday, Jan. 21.
UW-Whitewater police received reports that four people took part in the incident.
Along with chanting racist words, they also lit what appeared to be road flares, and displayed antisemitic symbols, according to Chancellor Corey A. King.
“The actions of the individuals are consistent with a group that has been visiting other campuses and has no affliction with UW-Whitewater whatsoever,” said King.
The incident took place the night before the spring semester started. Freshman Eric Rannow was at work across the street at a dining hall.
“My dad texted me and said, 'I saw some stuff on Facebook; be careful,'” said Rannow. “I didn’t really know what he was talking about. Then, after work, I met up with some friends and they showed me the video that was going around and I said, 'Whoa.' I was very surprised.”
Rannow said there’s no room for hate on campus.
“We’re here for a reason and it’s definitely not to be surrounded by negativity and speech like that,” he said. “We just want to go about our days and pursue our education without having to worry about stuff like that.”
Rannow also said “it would surprise me more if they were from the university itself. I’m hearing now that they’re at other universities so they’re not just here talking about that kind of stuff.”
Freshman Jocelyn Ramirez said everyone deserves to feel safe on campus.
“Education is a right and everyone should have the right to have a safe education here,” said Ramirez.
King said it’s important for students and staff to reaffirm their commitment to the university’s core values and to not let the actions of an outside group take them off course.
Anyone with information about the incident last night is asked to contact University Police at police@uww.edu or 262-472-4660.
Chancellor Corey A. King’s full statement said:
"Dear students, faculty and staff,
"On Sunday, Jan. 21, at around 5:40 p.m., UW-Whitewater police received reports of four people outside of Knilans residence hall chanting racist words, lighting what appeared to be road flares and displaying antisemitic symbols.
"Police quickly responded to the scene. The group had already left the area, confirmed by video surveillance, and no further sightings were reported. We have no reason to believe there is any current threat to safety on campus. The actions of the individuals are consistent with a group that has been visiting other campuses, and has no affiliation with UW-Whitewater whatsoever. In an abundance of caution, we have increased police patrol on campus.
"The actions of the group last night are abhorrent and go against our core values. At UW-Whitewater, we strive to create a safe community where everyone feels a sense of belonging. We take pride in our Warhawk family. We reject hate in all its forms.
"I know this incident is disturbing and has impacted members of our university community. Please know that counseling services are available to you. For students, please contact the University Health and Counseling Services. For faculty and staff, please contact Kepro, the Employee Assistance Program. Warhawks, look out for one another — especially individuals who may have felt especially targeted by this event.
"Anyone with information about the incident last night is asked to contact University Police at police@uww.edu or 262-472-4660. We will continue to remain vigilant and inform you if there are any developments. I want to reassure everyone of our ongoing commitment to safety. UW-Whitewater Police are on campus 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. In an emergency situation, please call 911. Any campus member can arrange to have an officer walk with them on campus by calling the non-emergency line, 262-472-4660.
"On this first day of the new semester, I ask all of us to reaffirm our commitment to our core values and not let the actions of an outside group that seeks to incite hate, division and fear take us off course. I am confident that we will have ongoing campus conversations in this space. I welcome these conversations as we continue to create an inclusive community. Let’s support each other the Warhawk way."
