'It's scary': Students, officials express concerns after racist message was found at Marquette University
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The Marquette University Police Department is investigating after a racist message was discovered graffitied onto a public campus sidewalk last week.
Written by the intersection of 16th and Wells St. is the saying "KKK 4L" which could be interpreted as "for life."
The message is also almost directly under one of the school's "Be the Difference" signs, which are posted up around the grounds.
"That's scary," said freshman Aydin Smith-Tetrev. “It’s kind of messed up that we’ve come so far and even now 2023, that we still have this stuff so it’s kind of worrisome you know that it’s in this area but hopefully it gets situated.”
Tyson Anthony, a junior at the school, said seeing the message was "unnerving."
"My friends of color on campus probably feel a little more threatened than I do so I hope they're okay honestly," Anthony said. “I hope the campus isn’t too disrupted by this and I hope there’s a louder voice speaking against what’s happening than just the graffiti.”
Raquel Ruiz, another freshman, said she had heard "a lot of people" were really affected by what had happened.
"I keep asking myself, why are people doing this? Like what's the purpose behind it?" Ruiz said.
The graffiti is now mostly covered by white paint, but some of the letters are still legible.
CBS 58 obtained a statement from a Marquette spokesperson that condemned the writing.
The university is aware that the racist graffiti that was initially removed on Sept. 26 reappeared in the exact same spot, potentially the result of the substance that was first used to tag the message on the sidewalk being reactivated in some way. The reappeared graffiti has been removed and the Marquette University Police Department is investigating the type of substance that may have been used to cause the graffiti to reappear after removal. There is no indication this was a new incident.
This act of racism and vandalism does not represent or reflect our values or our shared responsibility to create a culture of belonging. Racism has no place on our campus.
MUPD is adding an additional camera in the area and is working closely with nearby businesses to review camera footage to determine the parties responsible and if they have a connection to Marquette. If the perpetrator is found to be from our community, the university will swiftly activate its protocols for conduct and accountability. Please contact MUPD at 414-288-6800 if you have information that will aid the investigation.
Senior leaders met with students of color and additional student leaders last week following the graffiti incident and will stay in close contact. Staff from the Center for Inclusion and Belonging, the Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion, Campus Ministry and the Marquette Counseling Center are available to provide support and to meet with students. When divisive acts threaten our community, it is more important than ever that we stay in relationship and dialogue with one another.