Hate incident in dorm under investigation
Chelsea Cohen
Issue date: 2/1/10 Section: News
The urban environment has always had its own risks associated with it, chief among them, the compounded risk of falling victim to crime. Two recent incidences reported to Public Safety on the Lincoln Park campus illuminate the reality of campus crime, proving that risk comes from both within and outside.
On Jan. 6, a hate incident was reported at Clifton-Fullerton Hall. Rather than being a crime of opportunity, which is more frequent on the DePaul campus, this incident represents a deliberate attack on a campus group. According to Public Safety, the incident surrounded a defamatory slander message targeting women that was posted on a message board in Clifton-Fullerton Hall. Because the incident is currently under investigation by Public Safety, no other details were released.
This is the most recent on-campus example of the steady rise in hate crimes and incidences Chicago has been experiencing. Aside from this, DePaul has experienced hate incidences and crimes surrounding the Jewish, Latino and LGBTQ communities on campus. Flyers branded with swastikas, violence against students and threats have been among the tactics used.
In this instance, strong emphasis was placed on the difference between a hate incident and a hate crime. "On Feb. 23, we're having 'What's the Difference Between a Hate Crime and a Hate Incident?' We have the city of Chicago come in and explain to students about that," said Maureen Greene, the campus crime prevention officer.
As a hate incident, there was no criminal action involved, but that did not make it any more acceptable to dormitory residents.
"I feel like some people think they can get away with slanderous things toward women a little more," said freshman and dorm resident Geri Egner. "I think people just let things slip out too easily without thinking about what they're saying or what the consequences might be."
Aside from this occurrence, the new quarter has seen a number of reported incidents and crimes, including strong-arm robbery and battery charges in both Lincoln Park and the Loop. This recent activity urges a push for students to become more aware of their surroundings and make use of campus safety resources, such as the escort service and emergency response systems.
"You really need to watch people," Greene said. "If you see people that don't look like they're right, please call Public Safety, so we can come right over and see what's going on. When you're not paying attention, that's when they get you. So you always need to keep your guard up as you're walking along."
On Jan. 6, a hate incident was reported at Clifton-Fullerton Hall. Rather than being a crime of opportunity, which is more frequent on the DePaul campus, this incident represents a deliberate attack on a campus group. According to Public Safety, the incident surrounded a defamatory slander message targeting women that was posted on a message board in Clifton-Fullerton Hall. Because the incident is currently under investigation by Public Safety, no other details were released.
This is the most recent on-campus example of the steady rise in hate crimes and incidences Chicago has been experiencing. Aside from this, DePaul has experienced hate incidences and crimes surrounding the Jewish, Latino and LGBTQ communities on campus. Flyers branded with swastikas, violence against students and threats have been among the tactics used.
In this instance, strong emphasis was placed on the difference between a hate incident and a hate crime. "On Feb. 23, we're having 'What's the Difference Between a Hate Crime and a Hate Incident?' We have the city of Chicago come in and explain to students about that," said Maureen Greene, the campus crime prevention officer.
As a hate incident, there was no criminal action involved, but that did not make it any more acceptable to dormitory residents.
"I feel like some people think they can get away with slanderous things toward women a little more," said freshman and dorm resident Geri Egner. "I think people just let things slip out too easily without thinking about what they're saying or what the consequences might be."
Aside from this occurrence, the new quarter has seen a number of reported incidents and crimes, including strong-arm robbery and battery charges in both Lincoln Park and the Loop. This recent activity urges a push for students to become more aware of their surroundings and make use of campus safety resources, such as the escort service and emergency response systems.
"You really need to watch people," Greene said. "If you see people that don't look like they're right, please call Public Safety, so we can come right over and see what's going on. When you're not paying attention, that's when they get you. So you always need to keep your guard up as you're walking along."
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