Police Investigate Hate Crime at University of Arkansas
Emily Maher, 4029 TV, July 22, 2014
Officers from the University of Arkansas Police Department are searching for clues they hope will lead them to the man who they believe committed a hate crime on campus over the weekend.
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Authorities said someone made racist comments through an open window to two people inside the Garland House.
The Garland House also serves as the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity house during the school year.
“This is considered a hate crime,” Capt. Gary Crain said.
Crain said the man’s comments were “based on his idea of what their race was.”
Crain said the Garland House is currently serving as home for a group of about 25 young professionals from Africa.
They are part of the Young African Leaders Initiative, a six-week exchange program.
“It was dark outside,” Crain said. “They didn’t get a good look at the individual.”
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The university issued a statement on Tuesday:
The University of Arkansas was surprised and saddened to learn of this harassment and hope that this single act of intolerance doesn’t negatively impact what was otherwise a valuable and enriching opportunity for both the fellows and the university. This attitude is not reflective of the U of A community or our community at large. We believe in inclusion and tolerance and regularly welcome guests from near and afar.
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Police said if a suspect is found, he could face criminal mischief and harassment charges.
