Bias Incidents: Request for information as part of an investigation

TO: Gustavus Community
FROM: Carol Brewer, Director of Campus Safety
DATE: September 2, 2016
SUBJECT:  Bias Incidents:  Request for information as part of an investigation

At approximately 9:55 p.m. on Thursday, September 1, 2016 a current Gustavus student was sitting outside of Norelius Hall near ring road with other students in close proximity when a car with passengers approached.  An individual in the car yelled racial slurs and obscenities at the Gustavus student.

The car is described as an older model sedan (late 90’s or early 2000 model) that was either silver or grey.  The driver had light brown hair.

The victim approached a Campus Safety officer to report this incident and while the student was doing so, the car was spotted driving toward Complex.  Campus Safety was unable to catch up with the vehicle off campus.  Saint Peter Police were notified.

During the interview with the student victim, it was revealed that a similar incident occurred on Friday, August 26, 2016 near the main entrance of campus that was not previously reported.  In that incident, four Gustavus male students were walking on ring road near 7th Street when a car matching the same description (a four-door grey or sliver sedan) with male passengers yelled homophobic slurs.

St. Peter Police Department reported to the College that they responded to a similar third incident at 3rd and Jefferson Avenue also on September 1, 2016.

The College’s Bias Response Team strongly encourages anyone with information about these incidents, the vehicle in question, or the individual(s) who committed these acts to please contact Campus Safety at 507-933-8888, or the Dean of Students Office immediately at 507-933-7526.

Hate and bias motivated behavior are violations of College policy and will not be tolerated.