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Home · News

Shonda Rhimes Has Words For The Hartford Student Who Tormented Her Black Roommate

Shonda Rhimes Has Words For The Hartford Student Who Tormented Her Black Roommate
Marla Aufmuth/Getty Images
By Sydney Scott · Updated October 26, 2020

University of Hartford student Chennel “Jazzy” Rowe’s shocking story of being tormented by her roommate is so disturbing that even Hollywood is weighing in.

The story has caught the attention of many people, including Shonda Rhimes, who took to Twitter on Wednesday to share her thoughts on the case. The show runner tweeted, “That this type of ignorant hate can flourish in 2017 tests my faith in humanity. Who raised this inhumane ignorant waste of space?”

That this type of ignorant hate can flourish in 2017 tests my faith in humanity. Who raised this inhumane ignorant waste of space? Who chose to be her friend and look the other way? https://t.co/JyeFqOKWX3

— shonda rhimes (@shondarhimes) November 1, 2017

Rowe, a freshman at the university, revealed that her roommate, Brianna Brochu, had shared posts on Instagram that detailed rubbing used tampons on Rowe’s clothing, spitting in her coconut oil, putting mold in her lotion, and rubbing Rowe’s toothbrush “where the sun don’t shine.”

The university housing administrators allegedly ignored Rowe’s complaints and told the freshman not to go public with the story with housing administrators, adding that she would be removed from campus housing if she chose to do so.

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On Wednesday, Brochu was charged with third-degree criminal mischief, second-degree breach of peace, and intimidation based on bigotry or bias. She is also no longer a student at the University.

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University President Greg Woodward issued a statement assuring students and parent that behavior like Brochu’s would not be tolerated:

“I hear and share your anger and frustration. Acts of racism, bias, bullying, or other abusive behaviors will not be tolerated on this campus.”

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