Racist Texts Sent to UAlbany Students with African Heritage
An email was sent out to UAlbany students on Thursday about racist texts being sent to students with African heritage. NEWS10’s Anthony Krolikowski spoke with students and staff to find out the reaction on campus and what’s being done to help those affected.
Student Reaction
“I’ve seen this email for the first time a couple of days ago and it did worry me. It definitely gave me a bad feeling that this is going on around the country and I was definitely a bit worried,” said Michael Walker, majoring in Business Administration.
“It’s about enslaving the African American population again. Which was very frightening to these young kids,” described Professor Marcia Sutherland. She teaches a course called ‘The Psychology of the Black Experience’ and goes into detail on racism.
Support and Resources
UAlbany’s email to the student body included the following resources:
“If you receive a concerning message, you can report it to the University Police Department by calling 518-442-3131 or emailing UPDWeb@albany.edu. Alternatively, you can make a report via UAlbany’s Bias Incident Reporting Form.
If you feel overwhelmed or need support, there are many resources available to you on campus. Residential Life staff, the Dean of Students Office, our intercultural resource centers, your professors and others are here for you!
Additionally, the Office of Health Promotion (OHP) and Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) are available to provide support. If you need to speak with a counselor urgently, CAPS support is available 24/7 by calling 518-442-5800.”
Office of the Attorney General
The Office of the Attorney General is also encouraging anyone receiving these messages to report them to the Attorney General’s Civil Rights Bureau by calling 800-771-7755, emailing civil.rights@ag.ny.gov, or filing a complaint online.
Conclusion
The racist text messages sent to UAlbany students with African heritage have left many students unsettled. The university has provided resources and support for those affected, and the Office of the Attorney General is encouraging anyone receiving these messages to report them. It is important for students to feel safe and supported on campus, and the university is working to ensure that this is the case.
FAQs
Q: What should I do if I receive a racist text message?
A: Report it to the University Police Department by calling 518-442-3131 or emailing UPDWeb@albany.edu, or make a report via UAlbany’s Bias Incident Reporting Form.
Q: Where can I find support if I’m feeling overwhelmed?
A: You can reach out to Residential Life staff, the Dean of Students Office, our intercultural resource centers, your professors, and others on campus. Additionally, the Office of Health Promotion (OHP) and Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) are available to provide support.
Q: How can I report a racist text message to the Office of the Attorney General?
A: You can report it by calling 800-771-7755, emailing civil.rights@ag.ny.gov, or filing a complaint online.
