A series of flyers stating “It’s Okay to Be White” and “Islam is Right About Women” were found on West Connecticut State University’s (WCSU) campus on Oct. 31.
According to the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), “It’s Okay to Be White” is a phrase that white supremacists have used for years, but was popularized in 2017 after 4chan users thought it would be a good way to trigger “liberals.” The flyers were placed in a WCSU residence and classroom hall.
Additionally, WCSU spokesperson Paul Steinmetz told News 12 Connecticut that a neo-Nazi flag was found on campus as well.
WCSU President John B. Clark said in a Nov. 1 statement that the police are investigating the “hate-filled” flyers and the university is working with police on the matter.
“I am both shocked and immensely saddened about this sick and outrageous behavior, especially since our university has worked so hard to be a warm, diverse and caring community for all, no matter their race, color, gender, sexual orientation/identification, disability and age,” Clark said. “All members of our community should feel comfortable, safe and secure at the university. Indeed, we all should feel that WCSU is our second home.”
He added that if a “member of the university community” was behind the flyers, they will face “the severest disciplinary actions, including dismissal as well as possible civil and criminal actions.”
Surveillance footage showed an unspecified number of people putting up the flyers, but it was difficult to determine the perpetrators since they were dressed in Halloween costumes, according to News 12 Connecticut.
ADL Connecticut tweeted, “Disturbed but not surprised to see the national trend of white supremacist propaganda distribution on college campuses come to Connecticut.”
Disturbed but not surprised to see the national trend of White supremacist propaganda distribution on college campuses come to Connecticut. Thank you to WCSU and LE for investigating. Read ADL’s report on this scourge of hate here: https://t.co/vg5lVwLKQE https://t.co/O9DagDVaHC
— ADL_Connecticut (@ADL_Connecticut) November 4, 2019
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