After receiving racist hate mail, UW students call for action

Some University of Washington students are calling on school officials to take action in the wake of a string of Islamophobic incidents on campus.

More than 50 students chanted and waved signs reading "Islamophobia has no place on our campus" beneath the university's famous cherry blossoms during a protest and walkout Thursday afternoon.

The students are demanding university officials take concrete steps to better protect Black and Muslim students from hate and discrimination. It comes after the Somali and African student associations received racist hate mail.

RELATED: Education Department opens school probes over alleged antisemitism, Islamophobia

Both groups say they reported the letters to administrators and campus police, who are investigating. In a statement, university spokesman Victor Balta said officers "shared support and safety planning resources with students immediately after receiving the report," and any student, faculty or staff member concerned about safety is encouraged to use UW's Safe Campus program.

"We care deeply about the safety of our students and registered student organizations and want them to know that UWPD is doing everything possible to find those responsible and hold them accountable," Balta said.

But a member of the African Student Association said they want to see a swifter, stronger response to incidents like these.

"Although we took the right steps, follow-up and efforts to ensure our safety have been burdened on us," said one student, who declined to be named over safety concerns.

Students also criticized the timing of University of Washington President Ana Mari Cauce's response to the incident, which they say was only shared publicly after they posted about the letter on social media. The post has since garnered nearly 12,000 likes on Instagram.

"It's unacceptable that genuine support and resources were not extended until public outreach was visible," another student said.

In the blog, published on the university website Tuesday, Cauce said the school does not condone harassment or violence of any kind. She said UW officials would do "everything in our power" to assist with the investigation.