LOCAL NEWS

University of Utah: Two racially-motivated incidents have taken place on campus

Sep 2, 2022, 10:19 PM | Updated: Feb 14, 2023, 12:43 pm

SALT LAKE CITY — The University of Utah says enough is enough.

In the first couple weeks of fall classes, university officials say there were two racially-motivated incidents on campus. One happened the first week of school when a professor was threatened and verbally attacked with racial slurs. In the second week, a student yelled racial slurs while in campus housing.

Because of those two incidents, and four last year, University of Utah administrators released a statement saying this behavior is unacceptable and are changing some of its policies in dealing with cases like these.

One, the University is strengthening its code of conduct for visitors and fans.

Two, consequences are being escalated by having police look into these cases to prepare charges to the District Attorney’s Office for a possible hate crime.

And in a third move, the University is compiling every single incident and putting them onto a website for people to see.

Administrators feel that will help raise awareness of the issue.

“We know that this is a societal problem,” said Rebecca Walsh, associate director of communications at the University of Utah. “We know that these happen, and they happen on our campus, and when they do happen on our campus, we want to call them out as quickly as possible and a statement of support for the members of the community who have been impacted by it. And also alert our campus to what we’re doing to either find the perpetrators or provide support to the people who were victimized and how we’re moving forward.”

The University says when these incidents are reported, there are three things they will immediately do: communicate, provide support, and investigate it as a crime.

Administrators feel the campus should be a safe place for students, professors, staff, and visitors to come to.

Anybody who verbally attacks others with racial or bias slurs, or anything along those lines, will face consequences.

KSL 5 TV Live

Local News

Hope Hero Foundation Logo on key chain...

Karah Brackin

Utah’s Hope Hero Foundation is saving teen lives

Discover how The Hope Hero Foundation empowers teens and prevents suicide. Be the hero of your own story!

52 minutes ago

Follow @KSL5TVLike us on Facebook...

Eliza Pace

Car fleeing from carjacking attempt rolls and bursts into flames on I-15

A car rolled and burst into flames on the ramp from 201 to Interstate 15  after fleeing from an attempted robbery, police said.

52 minutes ago

Caroline Gleich wants to change what a senator should look like...

Bridger Beal-Cvetko, KSL.com

Caroline Gleich wants to change what people think a senator should ‘look’ like

"I don't look like a U.S. senator." It's a message professional ski mountaineer and Democratic Senate candidate Caroline Gleich has heard often enough as she began her first televised ad of the 2024 cycle by addressing it.

3 hours ago

Loren Richardson shoots video of him snowboarding when a Brighton man confronted him on Feb. 26. Th...

Pat Reavy, KSL.com

Brighton resident charged with threatening, pointing shotgun at snowboarder

A Brighton man was charged Thursday with aggravated assault and accused of pointing a shotgun at a backcountry skier who went on his property on Feb. 26.

4 hours ago

Follow @KSL5TVLike us on Facebook...

Eliza Pace

Breeze Airways announces new flights out of Provo to Dallas Fort Worth

Getting to the Lone Star State just got easier. Breeze Airways announced a new flights to Dallas Fort Worth from Provo.

5 hours ago

(KSL TV)...

Andrew Adams

Data shows significant uptick in gas prices over past month in Salt Lake area

Gas prices rose considerably over the past month in the Salt Lake area, according to data from industry watchers.

6 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Women hold card for scanning key card to access Photocopier Security system concept...

Les Olson

Why Printer Security Should Be Top of Mind for Your Business

Connected printers have vulnerable endpoints that are an easy target for cyber thieves. Protect your business with these tips.

Modern chandelier hanging from a white slanted ceiling with windows in the backgruond...

Lighting Design

Light Up Your Home With These Top Lighting Trends for 2024

Check out the latest lighting design trends for 2024 and tips on how you can incorporate them into your home.

Technician woman fixing hardware of desktop computer. Close up....

PC Laptops

Tips for Hassle-Free Computer Repairs

Experiencing a glitch in your computer can be frustrating, but with these tips you can have your computer repaired without the stress.

Close up of finger on keyboard button with number 11 logo...

PC Laptops

7 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Laptop to Windows 11

Explore the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 for a smoother, more secure, and feature-packed computing experience.

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Battery low message on mobile device screen. Internet and technology concept...

PC Laptops

9 Tips to Get More Power Out of Your Laptop Battery

Get more power out of your laptop battery and help it last longer by implementing some of these tips from our guide.

University of Utah: Two racially-motivated incidents have taken place on campus