Crime & Safety
College Speaks Out on KKK Graffiti 'Crime' on Campus
School officials said the graffiti is considered a crime.
The day after police said KKK graffiti was found at Suffolk County Community College, campus officials have spoken out.
"We take these matters seriously and have zero tolerance for bias incidents. Even if it is graffiti, it remains a crime and we treat it as such," said Mary Lou Araneo, Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Suffolk County Community College.
"In line with the college’s protocol, the incident in question was reported to the Southampton police department and to our knowledge their investigation is continuing. We are cooperating fully with the SPD in their investigation."
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She added, "The college informs and educates its students on topics such as bias.
Students at the educational institution are given a copy of the college’s safety brochure during orientation and an updated copy is posted on the website, Araneo explained.
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The booklet contains phone numbers and information so students know where to call.
"We believe these efforts serve to increase student awareness and sensitivity and assist with prevention," she said.
On Tuesday, police said they were investigating racially inflammatory remarks on a bathroom wall that were found at the Eastern campus of Suffolk Community College last week.
According to Southampton Town police, a call was received from campus security on Oct. 22 at around 4:45 p.m., stating that someone had written “KKK Meeting 3:30 Today Parking Lot” in black ink in the bathroom of the Cutchogue Building. A student notified campus security of the graffiti, police said.Police are following up with the student and the investigation is ongoing.
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