On Saturday, Sept. 14, a person was targeted for their sexual orientation near Gunter Hall around 2 a.m.
The victim’s identity will remain anonymous to the University of Northern Colorado and Greeley community until further notice. In order to prevent further acts of hatred, the community here must be aware of the situation at hand. The victim did not go to the hospital, but has remained in contact with the staff on campus whom are offering support and services.
There is limited information on the identities of the suspects. According to the police email sent out to the student body, the individuals involved are a group of males, possibly wearing athletic shoes and shorts, one of which has blonde hair.
“There is great care that is being taken of what is being released at this point because it is an active and open investigation,” said Nate Haas, director of university news and public relations,. “The UNCPD is being deliberate in keeping some of what is in the report out of public view at this point because they don’t want to do anything that might jeopardize the integrity of the investigation. The extent of what has been shared (via campus mass emails) is what has been made available at this point, but that could change based off of what police determine is acceptable to release at stages in the investigation.”
When asked for advice on how students and faculty can stay safe, Haas provided a list UNCPD has issued in the past:
- Be aware of your surroundings
- Look up from your device
- Walk with others when possible
- Call 970-351-2245 for an escort
- Use campus emergency phones
- Trust your instincts if you feel unsafe
- Call 970-351-2245 to report suspicious persons/activities
“Especially with all of our gadgets, it’s really easy to get distracted, so paying attention to your surroundings, looking up from your phone, and being cognizant of taking in your surroundings (doing a scan) to make sure that there’s nothing out of the ordinary.” Haas said.
These tips are important in maintaining students general safety on and off campus.
“I hope that we catch these individuals that are responsible for this terrible act and that we pursue whatever legal recourse we have to the fullest extent of the law,” said Andy Feinstein, the President of UNC. “It was a hate crime, and the individuals responsible should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law and I hope that we have that opportunity.”
At the University of Northern Colorado, kindness and courtesy around campus and within our community are encouraged. Being aware of your surroundings and what is happening around you can help you to maintain your safety, and if there is any time where you feel unsafe or unsure of a situation you are in, there are several resources on campus that you can use to your advantage.
Any person(s) who may own, or know someone who owns a white pickup truck that was parked on the west side of the 1800 block of 10th Ave. at the time of the attack should contact UNCPD at 970-351-2245. Anyone with any information regarding the incident or any other suspicious activity is encouraged to call the number listed to speak to an officer.
Great article Miss Benham. Keep up the great work!