Allegations of Racism at Arkansas State Prompt Statement, Investigation

JONESBORO, Ark. — Following multiple social media posts detailing alleged racism at Arkansas State University, campus leaders issued a statement on Sunday:

Dear Campus Community:

Over the past week, our university has received reports of hateful and deeply inappropriate behavior on our campus. These incidents are being taken very seriously, and investigations are underway by the appropriate offices.

Let me be clear: this type of behavior has no place at Arkansas State. It is not consistent with our institutional values and the standards we uphold as an academic community.

At A-State, we are committed to fostering a learning environment where everyone feels safe, supported and a true sense of belonging. While we honor each person’s individual beliefs and values, we also expect all members of our community to act with integrity and accountability in both their words and their actions.

If you have witnessed or experienced behavior that undermines this commitment, I urge you to report it. The university provides a centralized reporting system for all members of our community at https://www.AState.edu/Report. You can also find this link in the footer of our website under “File a Report.”

Let us continue working together to build a campus where every student, faculty member and staff member can thrive.

Sincerely,

Todd Shields
Chancellor
Arkansas State University

The statement does not reference a specific incident, instead citing reports of what the university described as “hateful and deeply inappropriate behavior.”

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What Happened

One of the incidents drawing attention is a video of an interaction inside student housing.

Resident assistants are student employees who live in university residence halls and help support students living there. However, a recent video shared on Facebook alleges a conversation behind a closed door in which a resident assistant used a racial slur while talking about another student.

I recorded a Resident Assistant at Arkansas State University and another student calling me a nigger while discussing me on Wednesday at 5:54 pm in PACK PLACE Building 2
Before I began recording, he stated that I was “high” and laughed with his friend about how much money he assumed I make. Once recording started, the conversation continued and escalated.
I was pressured to move out over a leak that did not originate in my room. The incident is under formal review, and I have video evidence.
This should never happen in campus housing.

– Isabel Dickerson, via FB

The video was shared over 700 times and has over 250,000 views as of this post.

 

The university has not confirmed the identity of the person heard on video.

On Saturday, another controversial photo was shared that was allegedly taken at a fraternity, showing a young man with a swastika and the term “nigger lover” written on his back. Arkansas State’s official Facebook page replied directly to that post.

We aware of and actively investigating this incident. While neither individual involved is a current A-State student, this behavior is reprehensible and fundamentally at odds with our values and campus policies. The University does not tolerate hate-based conduct of any kind, and such actions carry serious consequences, both for the individuals and any associated organization. We are committed to being a respectful, welcoming campus where Every Red Wolf Counts. Acts of hate have no place at A-State.

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NEA Report will update this story with more information as it is released by the university, including the outcome of the investigation. 

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