ATHENS, Ga. — Over 100 people and organizations have signed a letter urging the University of Georgia's president to condemn hate speech toward Latino students.
On Monday, the GALEO and GALEO Impact Fund released an open letter to UGA President Jere Morehead requesting him to show support for the Latino community in Athens. The letter states that after Laken Riley's murder on campus and the arrest of a suspect who officials said was undocumented, communities have been voicing concerns regarding safety and harassment.
Riley's death became a flashpoint in the conversation of U.S. border security after authorities named Jose Antonio Ibarra the suspect in the 22-year-old's death. Ibarra, a 26-year-old from Venezuela, had entered the United States illegally in 2022, according to Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
11Alive previously reported back in February that Latinx individuals have said his arrest had fostered charged conversations about immigration -- making them the target for intense emotions people are feeling about Riley's death.
Now, over 100 organizations and people have signed a letter, including national organizations like the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, asking the president to denounce any harassment and hate speech directed toward Latinos and bring accountability to anyone seeking to intimidate or hurt them on campus. The letter also wrote that some Latino students are afraid to walk to class alone as they feel unsafe on campus.
"While we recognize there may be differing perspectives and opinions regarding immigration and immigration reform, there is no debate around keeping students and young people safe," the letter wrote.
The CEO of GALEO and GALEO Impact Fund, Jerry Gonzalez, said the university president must break his silence as Latino students and community members in the area are facing harassment and threats.
"The longer President Morehead stays silent, the higher the risk these students face," Gonzalez said. "This is his opportunity to speak up and ensure his students that they are being heard."
The released letter took time to emphasize the tragedy of Riley's death and said it is proof of the widespread problem of violence against women.
"Unfortunately, the narrative has shifted away from the issue of women's safety and is instead being used as a cudgel against Latinos and immigrants in our communities," it states. "It is time that your administration acknowledges this reality, shines a light on the various threats that women of all backgrounds face, and condemns any and all harassment of Latinos."
According to the letter, UGA's 2022 Fact Book said there are nearly 2,800 Hispanic students enrolled at the university. Those who signed the letter said they believe it's the president's responsibility to ensure this segment of the university's community is heard, respected and protected.
The president was requested to respond to the letter within one week. 11Alive obtained a letter Morehead sent in response a day later on Tuesday.
In the letter, Morehead stated that the university has investigated claims of threats and hateful rhetoric against community members and said it will continue to prioritize safety enhancements.
Morehead also said they were only aware of a few complaints to the Equal Opportunity Office (EOO) alleging hateful and harassing behavior, stating that all have been or are currently being investigated. A specific example was given: On Feb. 23, the university was notified of a hateful post that was then removed on the anonymous social messaging app YikYak. The issue was sent to the EOO, but because of its anonymity, the person responsible could not have been identified.
"Please know that harassment and discrimination against any member of the university community is prohibited," Morehead wrote. "The reality is the anonymity that YikYak provides its users leaves the University unable to investigate this claim further, despite our desire to hold those responsible for such vile comments."
You can read the full letter below:
In addition to mentioning safety measures that are being implemented, Morehead also brought up how the University's Division of Student Affairs has been working directly with members of the Hispanic Student Association (HSA) and Latino/as Invested in the Students of Tomorrow (LISTo) to provide outlets to build community and additional support services.
"The University of Georgia is -- and will forever be -- incredibly grateful for the Hispanic members of our community and thankful for the invaluable contributions they make to our world-class learning environment," Morehead said. "We will support them, along with our campus community, as we continue to mourn a life lost and collectively grieve this senseless tragedy."
The president added that the UGA Police Department has received no threats about personal safety and is encouraging anyone with knowledge to formally lodge a complaint with EOO or university police.