Dean of Students Allen Groves sent a University-wide email to the student body Monday night warning of a viral anti-Muslim campaign set for April 3. Fliers advocating for violent threats against Muslims on what the fliers called “Punish a Muslim Day” were originally circulated in the United Kingdom, where the dissemination has led to a counter-terrorism investigation, according to Snopes.
Groves noted that there is no known direct connection between the international online threats and the University, but offered University resources and support for students who feel threatened. He said fliers related to the campaign have been reported at other colleges and universities.
Groves also wrote that the University Police Department will be watching closely for any related events on Grounds and said that any threats should be reported to University Police.
“I also express our strong and unwavering support of our Muslim students, faculty, and staff, and our Muslim neighbors in the local community,” the email reads. “This University was founded upon a commitment to religious pluralism, and it is important for us to reaffirm that value when any specific faith is targeted with threats of violence.”
The Muslim Students Association released a statement Monday evening, saying it had notified University and local officials about the online threats. The statement also calls on the University community to show solidarity with Muslim students.
“If Muslim students within our community don’t feel safe attending class, we ask that professors please be accommodating of their students,” the statement, posted on Facebook, reads. “To our fellow students, we implore you to not allow hate and injustice to occur before you, and to stand up for and reach out to your Muslim peers and friends.”
This is a developing story.
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