CSUMB Black students are targeted with racist graffiti on campus housing.

Over the past week, CSU Monterey Bay Black students have been the target of racist slurs and profanity at the place they should feel safe: their dorms. 

According to CSUMB Black Students United, there have been three vandalism incidents within the past week and Black students living at Promontory Apartments have found racist messages at their dorms’ doors. 

The racist incidents happened at various dorm halls, reads a campuswide email from CSUMB President Vanya Quiñones and Nizhoni Chow-Garcia, CSUMB’s associate vice president for community and belonging. The graffiti has been removed.

“The Title IX/Discrimination, Harassment and Retaliation Office and the University Police Department are investigating, and we will take appropriate action under the Student Code of Conduct,” the Oct. 6 email reads. “While we uphold the principles of free expression and open dialogue, such freedoms must be exercised responsibly and respectfully, in ways that affirm our shared values and comply with Title IX/DHR policies.”

One of these incidents was shared on @mb_confess, an Instagram account that shares comments from students anonymously, on Sept. 30.

“Whoever wrote the N-word on my door @Prom C 3rd floor, I dare you to say it to my face,” the message said. 

Four days later, BSU shared a message on the same platform in support of the students being targeted. “To those of you who have been targeted, please know that we see you. Your safety matters to us, and no one should ever have to endure something so vile and hateful,” the statement said. 

BSU reported the racist incidents and contacted university officials. “We are fully committed to finding and stopping the ones who are pressing hate throughout our campus,” BSU added.

Students experiencing harassment and discrimination can report these incidents on the university’s website to the Title IX/DHR Office or the Report a Concerning/Discriminating Behavior form.