Derogatory messages aimed at the LGBTQ+ community were written on the exterior of Korb Hall and the pavement outside the Tri-Towers Rotunda Monday night.
Korb Hall houses the LGBTQ+ Living-Learning Community, designed to be a “safe and inclusive living environment for LGBTQ+ students and allies,” according to the Kent State website. The Tri-Towers, which house about 1,335 Kent students, is one of the largest housing complexes on campus.
The university removed the messages Tuesday morning.
“We are aware of two acts of criminal damaging on the Kent campus and ask anyone with information to contact Kent State Police at 330-672-2122,” said Eric Mansfield, a university spokesman.
Nina Jannsohn, a sophomore fashion merchandising major and resident of Wright Hall, voiced her concerns over the incident.
“I was very appalled, especially as someone in the LGBT community,” Jannsohn said. “I don’t think there should be any room for people who think and act that way on our campus, especially for a school that prides itself on being inclusive.”
Jannsohn said she hopes the university takes actions to address the circumstances surrounding the messages spread on campus.
“I hope that they don’t get just a slap on the wrist for this,” Jannsohn said. “I just hope the university actually takes it seriously and puts out a statement and deals with [this] properly.”
Chris Jenkins, interim director of public safety and chief of police, released an emailed statement to the university Wednesday afternoon condemning the recent “abhorrent acts of criminal damaging” and said Kent State Police are investigating the incidents.
The statement said the investigations will include inspecting the more than 1,000 surveillance cameras on campus, and police are encouraging the community to contact Kent State Police Services at 330-672-2212 or submit a tip through the Threatline website with any information.
“Criminal damaging and the people who carry it out have no place in our Kent State community,” Jenkins said in the statement. “The university will not tolerate this behavior. Our university is committed to its core value of creating a community of kindness and respect.”
Students affected by the incident and seeking support can visit the Kent State Mental Health Resources and Support website.
Aden Graves contributed reporting to this story. This is a developing story. Follow KentWired for more updates.
Grace Claxon is a reporter. Contact her at [email protected].
