Hate speech forces suspension of classes at Bellingham university

Hate speech over social media prompted the president of Western Washington University in Bellingham to suspend all classes Tuesday.

A message from President Bruce Shepard says the hate speech targeted “students of color.”

“I need to be VERY clear here: we are not talking the merely insulting, rude, offensive commentary that trolls and various other lowlife’s seem free to spew, willy nilly, although there has been plenty of that, too,” Shepard wrote. “No, this was hate speech.”

Though Shepard doesn’t go into much detail, he says the investigation is the “highest priority of our campus law enforcement colleagues.” The social media content was distributed through early Tuesday morning.

“…students of color have advised me of their very genuine, entirely understandable, and heightened fear of being on campus,” Shepard wrote.

University spokesperson Paul Cocke told The Seattle Times that the threats were aimed at black students on campus. The threats came after student leaders called for the school’s viking mascot to be changed because it is racist.

It is unclear if the suspects behind the hate speech are students. Shepard wrote there is no threat to general campus safety and although classes are suspended, the university will stay open.

Today's class cancellation is only for the main campus in Bellingham. School is open, but classes won't be held.

— Western (@WWU) November 24, 2015