For undergrads at the University of Virginia (UVa), the first week of school was supposed to be defined by the hassles of moving in, the joy of seeing friends again, and the fun of parties without having to worry about schoolwork. Instead, for students returning to Virginia’s flagship campus in Charlottesville, Va., that week—and several weeks afterward—will be remembered for the string of ugly incidents of racial harassment and intimidation that jolted the school and prompted a public response from the university president.

Passing motorists yelled racial slurs at students. A black student named Phillip Jackson found the words “Nigger/I hate Jesus” written on the whiteboard on his room door, according to the university newspaper, the Cavalier Daily. And the Washington Post reported that a black student, sophomore Kyle Miller, found a racist note written in red capital letters on the windshield of his vehicle.

Five racial incidents were reported to officials in the span of only three days during the week of Aug. 22, and at least nine separate incidents were documented in the first few weeks of school.

On Sept. 16, UVa President John T. Casteen III gave a rare speech from the steps of the Rotunda condemning the racially motivated attacks and urging students to report any future incidents immediately. The university also distributed black ribbons for students, faculty, and staff to wear as a sign of support for the victims.

The incidents have since stopped, but they have reawakened concerns about racial discrimination. The university continues to implement measures to promote diversity and fight bigotry that had been recommended after prior incidents, but some students and staff say the university must do more.

THE STUDENT REACTION

The spike in intolerance sparked a quick response from members of the student body. In the wake of the first few incidents, a group of students gathered in a show of solidarity and protest at the picturesque Rotunda—the white-columned cylindrical building that sits at one end of the campus main grounds and is a widely recognized symbol of the university—according to university spokeswoman Carol S. Wood.

Students also began wearing black t-shirts, which was an idea that came from the black community, says Aaron N. Blake, the president of the university’s Black Student Alliance (BSA).

A few weeks later, black ribbons started appearing tied around columns in the central grounds—known to students as the Lawn—Blake says.

The BSA hosted a town meeting to allow incoming freshmen to air out their concerns and discuss the issue with upperclassmen and administration, Blake says, where older students shared with their experiences with prejudice.

Early in September, in reaction to the incidents, students formed groups to escort and patrol the campus during the night.

“I think on the grassroots level, the university’s response has been impeccable,” says UVa junior Sina Kian. “Students have risen up against it.”

And on Sept. 18, parents from Northern Virginia and other areas met with Casteen to voice their concerns, according to the Washington Post.

THE UNIVERSITY REACTS TOO

President Casteen’s very public response in front of the Rotunda surprised some at the school and attracted the attention of national media. Students say that in the past, Casteen often communicated by e-mail after racist incidents.