Mizzou reports incidents of community members being harassed with racist and homophobic slurs
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
The University of Missouri Office for Civil Rights & Title IX are investigating reports of individuals harassing community members with racist and homophobic slurs in and around campus.
On the evening of Sept. 6, officers responded to a report of people in a truck yelling inappropriate comments near Hitt Street and University Avenue.
One witness told MU police that she was walking from her house to Bubble Cup in downtown Columbia when a truck was full of people yelling at her, "F*** you." The witness says she did not respond, and then the group yelled, "this is why you don't get d***," according to police reports.
The second victim told police said she was driving southbound on Missouri Avenue at Conley avenue when a black truck or van yelled "F*****" at the driver and passenger.
The third victim told police she was downtown in a vehicle when she heard from inside a black truck, "what the f*** is that." The people in the truck then flipped the victims off and drove away.
An MU police officer located information on the truck through video surveillance and contacted the owner. According to the report, the 17-year-old son of the truck owner told police that his friend started yelling profanities. The driver then left the scene because of the incident, according to the report.
The passenger told police he was trying to be funny and show off for his friends, according to the report.
Both the driver and passenger said they did not dislike the LGBTQIA+ community. MU Police gave the juveniles a one-year trespass warning campus-wide.
The university continues to investigate the other incidents reported on campus.
"It is clear that these individuals do not share our values. We will aggressively confront these behaviors to the fullest extent possible through laws and university policies," said UM System President Dr. Mun Choi.
The university is working with the victims of the situations to provide personal support and resources.
"If you see or hear something, please report it. Any student who experiences or is aware of discrimination or harassment should file a report so we can work to address the situation in an appropriate manner. Reports also help us track patterns and improve how we educate the campus and prevent discrimination at MU," the university said.
The MU Counseling Center has compiled a list of tips to help students manage and protect their emotional well-being.
Plus, the Care Team provides one-on-one support, including interventions and advocacy when students experience significant difficulties related to mental health, physical health, personal and family emergencies, financial issues, or other areas of concern. They also are available to consult with staff, faculty, friends and families.
Incidents of harassment and discrimination can be reported to the Office for Civil Rights & Title IX.
Check back for more on this developing story or watch ABC 17 News at 10 p.m.
