Cal Poly police investigating after racial slur reportedly left inside student apartment
SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. - The Cal Poly Police Department announced it is investigating reports of a hate crime that recently occurred in one of its student apartments.
The school sent an email to the Cal Poly community on Friday explaining that a student had returned to their University Housing when they found a window appeared to have been forced open with a note dropped inside containing a racial slur.
In the statement, the university's leadership said:
This is a repulsive act — one that, in targeting one member of our community, does harm to our entire university.
Our Dean of Students’ Office, Office of Equal Opportunity and University Housing are in contact with the student to provide care and support.
Cal Poly police are "actively and aggressively investigating the incident as a hate crime," the school said. Officers are reportedly submitting evidence to the San Luis Obispo County Crime Lab in hopes of identifying a potential suspect.
Anyone with any information that could help with this investigation is urged to contact the Cal Poly Police Department at 805-756-2281. Anonymous tips can also be sent to the San Luis Obispo Crime Stoppers at 805-549-STOP (7867); tips to Crime Stoppers are eligible to receive a cash reward if the information provided leads to an arrest.
The school went on to say:
We will seek to hold whoever is responsible for this act accountable through all available legal and administrative processes. While hate, racism and prejudice exist at Cal Poly, they are counter to our values and mission and will not be accepted. Those who engage in hateful harassment or violence are not welcome here and will be rooted out.
Several resources were listed at the bottom of the statement for any students, university employees or bystanders who are in need of support after this incident:
- 24/7 Counseling Support – 805-756-2511
- Office of University Diversity and Inclusion – 805-756-2250
- Student Diversity and Belonging (SDAB)
https://culture.calpoly.edu/VirtualResources - Black Academic Excellence Center (BAEC)
- Office of the Dean of Students – 805-756-0327
- Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs – 805-756-1521
- Student Ombuds Services – 805-756-1380
- Employee Assistance Program – 800-367-7474
