SAN MARCOS, Texas — Texas State University is investigating after a student reportedly discovered racial vandalism on his car when it was parked inside a campus garage.
On Friday morning, the Texas State chapter of the NAACP said on Sept. 27, a Black freshman student found his car vandalized with a racial slur. The car was parked inside the Woods Street Parking Garage, located next to the Jones Dining Complex and across the street from San Jacinto Hall and The Tower residence hall.
"We are deeply disturbed by this egregious act of racism, which not only targets an individual but also undermines the values we uphold as a community," NAACP Chapter President Jordan Williams wrote. "As a institution serving majority people of color, it is disheartening to witness actions that contradict our university's mission to embrace diversity and foster an environment of civility, compassion, and respect."
Williams noted that over 57% of the Texas State student population identifies as people of color.
In response to the reported vandalism, the chapter asked the university to take four actions. It requested that:
- President Kelly Damphousse issue a statement publicly condemning the act of hate, released through official communication channels
- The university commit to transparency throughout the investigation process into this act, including sharing regular updates with the community
- The university develop a comprehensive, long-term strategy to "enhance diversity, foster inclusion, and ensure that every student feels safe and valued on campus," using this incident as a catalyst
- The university thoroughly review current campus security measures to prevent future hate crime incidents
"In the current social and political climate, especially here in Texas, Texas State University has a profound responsibility to ensure that all students are supported and protected," Williams wrote. "We stand united in our commitment to creating an inclusive and respectful campus environment and call upon our entire community to join us in this vital effort."
On Friday afternoon, President Damphousse issued a letter to the Texas State community, saying that the university's police department immediately began investigating after learning of the incident. Damphousse called the act "deeply disturbing" and said it goes against the university's core values.
Read Damphousse's full letter below:
"Dear Bobcat Family:
As your president, it’s important to reaffirm that Texas State University treats acts of racial bias and hate with zero tolerance. Such acts, against even one member of our Bobcat community, affect us all. Thus, it is vital that hate crimes involving our campus community are addressed with the utmost seriousness and with immediate action.
After receiving the recent report of a racial slur keyed into a student’s car, our University Police Department immediately launched a comprehensive criminal investigation. The case was also referred to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX for review. To preserve the integrity of this active investigation, I am unable to share additional details at this time, but I will provide updates as soon as more information becomes available.
This hateful act is deeply disturbing to me because it runs counter to what I know to be TXST’s core values. Our campus leaders, faculty, staff, and I remain committed to ensuring the safety, protection, and well-being of every member of our university community. I have personally reached out to the victim of this attack, and I have also spoken with the president of the TXST NAACP student organization. I look forward to sharing more when the investigation is completed.
Kelly Damphousse
President"
