UW–Madison: Message Of Support And Campus Safety Update

Madison WI

20 June, 2022

6:43 AM

Description

Press release from the University of Wisconsin-Madison: June 17, 2022 The following message comes from UW–Madison Police Department Chief of Police Kristen Roman, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Diversity and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer LaVar Charleston, and Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Lori Reesor: We have been made aware of a physical assault that happened near campus this week involving a University of Wisconsin–Madison doctoral student. We also know that many in our campus community have had questions and concerns about the motivations of the attack. We are sharing what we know here to offer clarity and transparency and to reaffirm our efforts toward a safe and welcoming community. What we know: On the night of Tuesday, June 14, a UW–Madison doctoral student was assaulted by a group of individuals while walking off-campus downtown. MPD reported that this was the third battery, similar in nature, to have taken place in the downtown area this week. On the night of June 14, a student reported to the University of Wisconsin Police Department that a group approached them and threw a banana. While we don't have evidence these incidents were motivated by race, we know that each time incidents like these occur, it has an impact on the well-being of all our students, and particularly our Asian, Pacific Islander and Desi American students, faculty, and staff, and other communities of color. We are committed to creating a safe community at UW–Madison where everyone feels they belong, and we know we have more work to do. UWPD continues to work closely with MPD to ensure greater vigilance and a rapid response to student-involved incidents and potential hate crimes on and near campus. Some have asked why the university did not issue a WiscAlert, UW–Madison's emergency alert system, related to Tuesday's incidents. This system is only activated when UWPD can confirm a significant emergency or dangerous situation involving an immediate, actively occurring threat on campus (or heading toward campus) that impacts the health or safety of students or employees. We are fortunate that UW–Madison is a relatively safe place. But we know our community is not immune to crime. Please keep in mind these few tips to help keep yourself safe: Any student who experiences or is affected by a hate or bias incident can file a report with the Dean of Students Office. The office works closely with University Health Services, UWPD, and the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards to follow up on all reports and to offer support. We encourage employees to file a complaint with the Office of Compliance if they experience a similar incident. Counseling staff at University Health Services are available to talk with students affected by recent events or other personal concerns. After-hours medical advice and mental health support are also available. Anyone with information about these or other crimes is encouraged to call the UW-Madison Police Department for on-campus incidents or the City of Madison Police Department for incidents occurring in the City of Madison. Individuals may also provide information about these cases and remain anonymous through Madison Area Crime Stoppers. We are deeply concerned by this week's reports and their impact on members of our community. We are committed to keeping you informed and to working toward making our campus and nearby downtown areas safe and welcoming for all. Kristen Roman Associate Vice Chancellor and Chief of Police University of Wisconsin Police Department LaVar J. Charleston, Ph.D. Deputy Vice Chancellor for Diversity and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer Division of Diversity, Equity, and Educational Achievement Lori Reesor, Ph.D. Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Student Affairs This press release was produced by the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The views expressed here are the author's own.