University News
UPDATE [5/12/15]: Arrest Made by MPD in Connection with Vandalism Incident Off Campus
May 12, 2015
UPDATE [5/12/15]: Arrest Made by MPD in Connection with Vandalism Incident Off Campus
The Macomb Police Department has arrested nonstudent Andrew M. Machaj, 22, of Plainfield, IL for vandalizing the residence at 306 W. Murray St. Machaj has been charged with hate crime and criminal damage over $300. More information can be found at the Macomb Police Department's Facebook page at http://tinyurl.com/q6y75u3 or the MPD website at macombpolice.com.
From WIU President Jack Thomas: "I greatly appreciate the work of the Macomb Police Department and the City of Macomb for responding quickly and for apprehending the alleged perpetrator of this heinous act."
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May 11, 2015
Dear Campus Community:
The Macomb Police Department is investigating an incident that occurred over the weekend in which a rental property near campus was vandalized with hate-centered graffiti. While this defacement took place off campus, as president of Western Illinois University, it is my responsibility to address this cowardly and contemptible act.
Acts of prejudice, harassment, and bigotry will not be tolerated. They have no place at our University, or in this community. The individuals who are responsible for this incident should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. If those responsible are WIU students, they will be expelled.
When individuals and/or groups become the focus of racist and hate-related comments or acts, we must reiterate our University's commitment to the principles of justice, equity, and diversity. It is our expectation that all members of the University and local community will behave in a cordial and respectful fashion. It is our duty as citizens to speak up when we witness acts of injustice and intolerance. These are despicable acts of racism and intolerance. They only serve to keep all of us from working together toward a more harmonious way of life.
It is our University's policy that all faculty, staff, and students work and study in an environment that is free from harassment based on race, color, religion, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, disability, marital status, and veteran status. We value diversity, and we expect that every individual will be treated with civility and mutual respect.
It is my hope that we can all join forces to preserve a respectful, civil, and supportive community for everyone to live peacefully.
Sincerely,
Jack Thomas
President
Western Illinois University
Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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