WACO, Texas (ABP) — Baylor University officials said they are continuing investigations into two Nov. 4 election-related campus incidents with racial overtones, but that they found no evidence supporting a third.
President David Garland wrote a Nov. 7 letter updating students, faculty and staff about an inquest into the hanging of a noose on campus and a disturbance outside a men’s dormitory. He police found no “solid evidence” to support a third report alleging that Obama/Biden campaign signs were burned in a barbecue pit.
Baylor’s Student Senate passed a resolution Nov. 6 saying students “strongly and unanimously disapprove and denounce the acts that were performed by certain individuals” on Election Day. The resolution termed the incidents “indecent and intolerable.”
Garland said Baylor police recovered a 10-foot-long-rope with a loop at its end apparently placed in a campus tree. They urged anyone with information about who displayed it to contact them.
Garland said police have identified a number of students who participated in a racially charged, post-election shouting match outside Penland Hall. Officers planned to question those students, and expected to make referrals to Baylor’s judicial-affairs department.
Garland said that, contrary to initial reports, police have been unable to produce any solid evidence that Obama/Biden campaign signs were burned in the pit adjacent to the Brooks Flats residential community.
“Investigators have learned that what were originally reported to be Obama/Biden campaign signs were actually empty computer boxes,” Garland said. He said officers continue to look into the matter.
He said there have been no additional incidents reported to campus authorities.
Garland said Baylor responded with a number of initiatives to foster open and honest dialogue about racial bias, including a chapel service and prayer rally for unity.
“Many faculty also have taken the opportunity this week to discuss the issues of civility, tolerance and respect in their classrooms,” Garland said. “We expect other events to be announced in the coming days as we have further opportunities to meet with students, faculty and staff to discuss how we should best approach questions of diversity on our campus.”
Garland said Baylor has a zero-tolerance policy against racist acts of any kind.
“The evidence we have obtained suggests that a small number of individuals on our campus were responsible for the events of Tuesday evening,” he said. “As I have spoken with students privately and listened to their public comments, I know that they share our profound sense of anger over this entire situation. They resent that the irresponsible actions of a few have left a stain on the university of which they are so proud.”
He said the incidents “do not reflect accurately the faith, values and community of Baylor University.”
-30-
Baylor reports race-related incidents on Election Day (11/5)