(from Inside Higher Ed) Incidents targeting students of color and of different sexualities and religions appear to be increasing on college campuses, according to a new report. Advocates urge administrators to be vocal in denouncing them and to have a plan in place for when they occur. Most often with these hate-bias incidents, administrators report that outside groups — such as those geared toward white nationalism — are coming onto school grounds and distributing literature.
Colleges need to develop a communication strategy to address an incident as soon as possible, said Richard Baker, assistant vice chancellor and vice president for equal opportunity services for the University of Houston System. Make clear what each individual’s role is during such a crisis, what their job would entail, Baker said. School leaders, even if they run into First Amendment issues where speech or an act would be protected, can denounce the activity in the harshest of terms, which will often ease student concerns.
Listen to the latest episode of the Net Assets podcast.
