TO: Campus community
FR: Nader Oweis, Chief of Police
REPORTED CRIME: The Sonoma State University Police Department is investigating a potential hate crime and vandalism that was reported to us this morning.
University staff located a barbecue grill that had been pushed into the pool. Attached to the barbecue grill was a rope, with the loose end of the rope fashioned into a noose and left hanging on the pool's accessibility lift.
There is no suspect information at this time.
We do not know the motives of the individual(s) involved in this incident. Sonoma State University is committed to maintaining an inclusive and equitable community that values diversity and fosters mutual respect. Any act of bias or discrimination based upon a protected class is prohibited pursuant to the Interim CSU Policy Prohibiting Discrimination, Harassment, Sexual Misconduct, Sexual Exploitation, Dating Violence, Domestic Violence, Stalking, and Retaliation.
If you know something: Anyone with information that might assist with the investigation is urged to call Sonoma State University Police at (707) 664-4444.
Support Resources: Anyone impacted by this incident is encouraged to utilize campus resources:
- The Office for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination at (707) 664-4140.
- The campus Confidential Victim Advocate at (707) 664-2698.
- Counseling and Psychological Services are available for any student seeking support at (707) 664-2153.
- Our Employee Assistance Program, LifeMatters by Empathia (password is: sonoma), is available as a support resource for staff and faculty at (800) 367-7474.