Several apartment complexes at the University of Delaware were littered with racist and xenophobic flyers allegedly targeting Asian students.
An ongoing investigation: Newark Police Department is looking into the offensive flyers stating “Kill Chinese Virus” distributed early on Sunday on vehicles and doors of some apartment complexes on campus.
- “Chinese virus” is a term used most notably by President Donald Trump to describe COVID-19.
- Residents reported that fliers had been left at the doors of their apartments or on vehicles in School Lane Apartments, Pinebrook Apartments, Fairfield Apartments and One Easton locations on campus.
- Some residents told authorities that the flyers have caused concern, reports the Newark Post.
- Lt. Andrew Rubin, a spokesman for the Newark Police Department, noted that based on the message, the flyers do not appear to constitute “terroristic threatening or a similar offense.”
- “It’s not obvious it’s any crime other than littering or trespassing,” he said.
- Rubin has urged anyone with information about the incident to contact Det. William Anderson at 302-366-7100, ext. 3469, or [email protected].
University response: The University of Delaware officials sent out a letter to international students, stating that the areas targeted by the flyers are all home to Asian and Asian American students.
- “All of us are appalled that this has occurred in our community, and we send our support to the victims and to all individuals who may have fears about being targeted,” said the letter, signed by Provost Robin Morgan and two other officials.
- The letter also recognized the uptick in racism towards the Asian community amid the current pandemic.
- “It is evident that COVID-19 has led to an increase in racist and xenophobic acts such as this one. We understand that you may feel greater fear about your safety. Please know that the entire university community stands in solidarity with you during these most challenging of times.”
- Affected students are urged to call the UD Helpline 24/7 to speak with a counselor at (302) 831-1001.
Images of the flyers were not immediately available.
“At this time, there is no further information available for release. Any updates will be provided through our press release website: newarkdepolicepress.com,” Lieutenant Andrew Rubin of the Newark Police Department told NextShark.
NextShark has also reached out to the University of Delaware and expect to hear a reply soon. We will update the story accordingly.
Feature Image via @udelaware
