A Quinnipiac University student uploaded a racially insensitive Snapchat of her roommate using an exfoliating cream with the caption, “Black lives matter.”
The photo, which went viral on social media, has drawn widespread frustration across campus.
The University issued the following statement on Facebook, Tuesday afternoon:
Quinnipiac’s Office of Student Affairs and Public Safety became aware of the incident Monday afternoon and raised the case to a high priority level. The three students involved were identified and interviewed according to Mark Thompson, executive vice president and provost.
University administration questioned the students, identified what took place and “took disciplinary action immediately.”
“It’s one student who’s responsible, the other two did not know what was taking place,” Thompson said. “I’m confident of that based on the investigation that was undertaken.”
The one student who made the decision to post this picture and add the caption to it will be suspended from housing and will go through the necessary disciplinary process, Thompson added.
“I want to use this as an opportunity to express again that this goes against everything that we value as a community and that every member of this community ought to be treated with respect,” Thompson said.
“I was in shock and disbelief,” Ruth Onyirimba, a senior Human Rights and Social Action major said after she saw the photo.
Onyirimba said she instantly felt stressed out because she knew that someone had to act or else people would think the issue was not important. She is also concerned this is a broader scale issue and that there are more students on campus who think the same way as the person who captioned the Snapchat photo.
Quinnipiac administration is in contact with a local NAACP chapter, which has offered support and help.
***Update*** Wednesday, 12:51 p.m. ET
Quinnipiac Student Government has released the following statement regarding the incident.
“Bobcats, after the recent racial incident that took place earlier this week via social media, we would like to remind everyone what it means to be a Bobcat. As members of the Quinnipiac community, we all singed The Book of the Legend. This means that we have a responsibility to follow our creed and live by it every day. Our student body creed states, I choose to be a member of the Quinnipiac University community, I strive for integrity, responsibility and academic excellence, I respect and value all members of this diverse community, I embrace the inclusion of all people, I preserve Quinnipiac’s traditions of pride and spirit. Together, we are the architects of our future. We are the legend. Let’s strive to live by these words each day. And when we fall short, we need to acknowledge it, talk about it, and push for change. Thank you.”
***Update*** Wednesday, 4:50 p.m. ET
Quinnipiac University Executive Vice President and Provost, Mark Thompson has released a statement with more details about those involved in the incident.
“I am providing this update regarding the investigation and review of the facts surrounding the racially offensive photo that was posted on social media. The university investigation found that the student in the photo put a cosmetic mask on her face and was photographed by another student. The student who took the photograph added a racially offensive remark and posted it on social media without the subject’s knowledge. Given the information provided to the university, the student pictured in the photo that was posted on social media was not deemed responsible for the posting or its content. The student who took the photo, added the remark and posted it is no longer a member of the university community,” Thompson said.
“I ask that all members of our community learn from this experience and work together in ways to enhance our understanding and appreciation for one another. I also encourage your participation in various programming and opportunities that support our values associated with diversity and inclusion.”
