The suspect in the vandalism of the Campus Y is undergoing medical evaluation and no interrogation has occurred, UNC Police Chief David Perry said at a Campus Safety Commission meeting Wednesday.
At the meeting, the commission discussed the incident of vandalism, emotional safety for students from marginalized groups and proposed amendments to the commission's constitution.
What's new?
- Perry spoke with the commission about the ongoing investigation into the Campus Y vandalism. Perry mentioned that more security assessments like one held in November could be arranged at the commission's request. He emphasized the importance of following safety protocols.
- “It was an attack on all of us; it was an attack on our space and our campus,” Perry said.
- Professor Kim Strom, a delegate in the search committee for the senior prevention strategy officer and director of interpersonal violence prevention collaborative, shared some updates on how the hiring process is going. She said there are four possible candidates in the interviewing stage.
- Strom also shared her concerns on making sure that such a role is filled with an ideal person who has support from the school directives and the commission itself.
- Travis J. Albritton, a professor and the associate dean of diversity, equity and inclusion, gave a presentation for the commission members on student belonging and emotional safety. Albritton talked about the importance of recognizing racial battle fatigue in students from minority groups.
- Albritton said that efforts to help students feel like they belong on campus should go beyond meeting a diversity quota. He said it is crucial to change the conversation around what the school does to represent its students and their experiences.
- Members suggested new amendments to the commission's constitution, including an amendment to prohibit a vote when less than 50 percent of the members are present in any meeting.
Who is on the commission?
- The commission is made up of students, staff, faculty and community members.
- The commission was assembled in April 2019 to assess safety on campus, including the campus climate and culture around issues of safety.
What’s next?
The commission will meet on March 3 to vote on the amendments suggested during this session.
