Earlier today the University of Iowa Police Department issued a Crime Alert after learning one of our students reported a racially motivated attack. We are saddened and outraged by the horrible event that transpired Saturday evening. This kind of violence is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. The UI Police are working with the Iowa City Police Department to investigate. Students have a right to feel safe on this campus.

The Dean of Students and the President met with the student and his family. His safety and well-being are our first priority. If UI students were involved, they will be subject to disciplinary procedures under the student code of conduct.

University of Iowa officials first learned of the incident late Tuesday afternoon from members of the media, but did not have any details or a police report to share publicly. University of Iowa Police contacted the Iowa City Police Department Wednesday morning. Once ICPD provided details of the report, UI Police issued a Crime Alert.

We later learned that the student did visit the UI Police Department late Monday night but because the crime occurred off-campus, he was directed to Iowa City Police to file a report. This was intended to prevent the victim from having to share his story multiple times. However, we now recognize this as a failure in current UI protocol and will be working with many campus and community partners, including ICPD, to improve reporting mechanisms for the future.

The University of Iowa is working to create a climate of inclusion and this hate crime demonstrates we have a great deal of work left to do.

Bruce Harreld, President
Barry Butler, Executive Vice President and Provost 
Georgina Dodge, Chief Diversity Officer and Associate Vice President
Tom Rocklin, Vice President for Student Life
Lucy Wiederholt, Interim Assistant Vice President and Director of Public Safety
Lyn Redington, Dean of Students and Assistant Vice President

Rachel Zuckerman, UISG President
Lauren Freeman, UISG Vice President
Joshua Schoenfeld, GPSG President
Jasmine Mangrum, GPSG Vice President

We encourage students who who are seeking help to contact University Counseling Services (319-335-7294), Center for Diversity and Enrichment (319-335-3555), Dean of Students Office (319-335-1162), Women's Resource and Action Center (319-335-1486), Office of the Ombudsperson (319-335-3608), your academic advisor, your spiritual or religious leader, or anybody you feel comfortable talking to.