American University is currently investigating racists banana attacks that happened on campus earlier this month.
One student alleged that she was hit with a banana when she opened her dorm room door and another had a rotten banana placed at her door.
According to the New York Daily News, the school is investigating the incidents and has already connected two white male freshman to the attacks. Neither has been identified. Friday, the school issued a statement condemning the acts.
“We understand that members of our community feel hurt by an incident that happened in a residence hall and separate allegations of racially biased behavior, we’re working with student leaders and others in the community concerned about this.”
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American University’s Black Student Alliance has condemned the acts as well, but says this isn’t the first time they’ve had to deal with racism on campus. The student group has also pointed to racist behavior and attacks on anonymous app Yik Yak, where some students have “called for black students to ‘go back to Africa!’” or “called for a slave auction of black students.”
Good morning. 💚💛❤️✊🏾 pic.twitter.com/4Ogh6t82DZ
— AmericanU BSA (@AU_BSA) September 16, 2016
Neah Gray, the student who found the rotten banana at her door told the Washington Post, “I wouldn’t let people drive me out, but it’s kind of sad that this kind of thing still happens.”
American University has promised its community that they will continue to investigate all instances of discrimination on campus and will work with students to do so. “We will continue to update the community on our conversations and actions about how we can work to ensure AU has a healthy, safe and supportive environment.”
