What Happened
A Black Lives Matter sign on the lawn of an on-campus faculty residence was defaced to say "White (Lives Matter)." The residents have removed the sign from the front lawn of this residence.
This incident is being investigated as a hate crime under CA Penal Code section 422.6(b). Vandalizing property particularly with words intended to threaten and intimidate individuals (specifically in this the case Black community) is contrary to Stanford’s values. It is absolutely unacceptable in our community.
What Is Being Done
Updated as of 06/08/23
A PIH Report was submitted by the Department of Public Safety (DPS) after this crime was reported.
Because this conduct is being investigated as a hate crime, it is not considered protected speech, and the person(s) who engaged in the conduct could be subject to legal or disciplinary action.
The Black Community Services Center (Black House) staff are aware of the incident and can serve as a support system as needed. Black House professional staff can be reached at stanfordbcsc@stanford.edu.
The Faculty Staff Help Center staff are also aware of the incident and can be accessed as needed.
What to Do
- If you have any information that may assist with this investigation, call DPS at 650.329.2413 (24/7) and ask to speak to an investigator.
- Students needing assistance are invited to reach out to these mental health resources and faculty/staff can reach out to the Faculty Staff Help Center.
- Self-care equals community care. If you want to learn more about anti-Black racism visit the Stanford Against Hate website.
- If you experience bias or discrimination, please file a Protected Identity Harm report.
