Resist and Persist

When Security alerts the entire campus community of a hate crime committed inside of a signature campus space by describing the offense as “race-related graffiti,” the temptation to minimize the crime feels like an immediate reaction, especially due to the anonymity of the crime and lack of physical harm. However, faceless acts of racist vandalism are not victimless crimes– they send messages of intimidation that can amplify fear and create feelings of ambient hate. The uncertainty allows certain questions to linger: Who did it and will it happen again?

Security confirmed and reported the crime on Aug. 24 to campus as a community alert email. Eric Shalow, the Safety and Security Director, wrote “there was race-related graffiti which contained only the uncensored N-word written in all capital letters on the wall of the podcast room on the 3rd floor of Pearsons Hall with what looked like blue marker.” The investigation later confirmed the message was written with a paint marker.

Shalow’s standardized email intended to offer the raw facts of the situation as the initial alert of the crime to the community. Ron Watson, the Dean of Students, sent another StuAlert email later that day that acknowledged the incident as a hate crime and encouraged resiliency. Communication in investigations, especially for crimes where harm becomes intentional, is critical for easing fears among the community. Yet, with no person to hold responsible, justice seems elusive.

The anonymity and intangibility of faceless hate crimes, paradoxically, visibly exclude the targeted marginalized group. With no face to blame, the focus shifts onto the targeted group, which further pushes the intended harmful narrative. 

This is not just graffitti. This is an act of cowardice. This is a crime of hate. Do not minimize these violent acts of racism, but do not allow the faceless to become every face. Although this crime created uncertainty within the community, campus support systems stand strong and ready to aid students. As Ron Watson stated, “We remain resilient, unbroken, and ready to stand and care for one another, as all Beloiters should.”