© 2024 WGLT
A public service of Illinois State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Third Possible ISU Area Hate Crime Reported Since Election

Ralph Weisheit
/
WGLT

Three crimes, which could be labeled as hate crimes, have been reported near Illinois State University since the Presidential election.

ISU Police Chief Aaron Woodruff says his department is investigating a report of threats to beat up a transgendered person who was on the quad on Sunday."Some other individuals made some comments about what they perceived to be somebody who was transgender. They're still following up on that. But, it sounds like potentially threatening to harm them by punching them or something like that," said Woodruff.

Last week there was a report of racial epithets and eggs thrown at an African American Student, and another incident involving white males criticizing someone's sexual orientation.

The number of anecdotes of such incidents on social media is much higher. But, Woodruff said his office hasn't recevied anything like that.

"If they are a victim of an incident, whether it's a hate crime or something else, make sure they call us right away as opposed to waiting too long. Because the opportunity to look into it and identify the individuals increases the sooner we're called," said Woodruff.

Woodruff said investigators are looking for camera footage and other material regarding two other incidents on campus last week and have now begun following up on Sunday's report.

Some advocates are concerned the harsh rhetoric of the Presidential campaign will embolden bigots and other believers of intolerance to target minorities, LGBTQ people, and immigrants.

WGLT Senior Reporter Charlie Schlenker has spent more than three award-winning decades in radio. He lives in Normal with his family.
Related Content