Trinity College ‘Extremely Disappointed’ Following Alleged Racist Incident on Instagram

Trinity College said they are "extremely disappointed' about an alleged racist incident on social media.

In an email to students and staff, the university said that there has been an "outpouring" of students, alumni and others expressing their experiences with racism or sexual assault at Trinity on Instagram. A counter-account has since emerged that is engaging in harassing, hurtful and racist activity, according to the university.

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A message condemning the attacks against members of the Trinity community who have shared their experiences of racism and sexual assault at Trinity on @blackattrin and @trinsurvivors . . Right now, we are extremely disappointed in our Trinity community. Earlier today, we learned that in response to a recent outpouring on Instagram by students, alumni, and others about incidents of racism or sexual assault experienced at Trinity, a counter-account has been created and is engaging in harassing, hurtful, and racist activity. That such an account would be created and in its responses to others’ posts mock, bully, and intimidate members of our community is nothing short of shameful and disgusting. As a college, we do not have the power to take down the account, but here are the action steps we have initiated: 1) We have reported it to Instagram for harassment/bullying; 2) we have directed Campus Safety to investigate; and 3) we have activated the Campus Climate Incident Response Team to respond to this incident. If you have any information and/or evidence about who is behind this account, we ask you to share it with Campus Safety (860-297-2222). Let us be clear: If you have information and remain silent, you are condoning this behavior in our community. It is time we all find the courage to say, “Enough!” Sincerely, Joanne Berger-Sweeney President and Trinity College Professor of Neuroscience Anita Davis Vice President, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Joe DiChristina Vice President, Student Success and Enrollment Management

A post shared by Trinity College-Hartford, CT (@trinitycollege) on Jun 21, 2020 at 3:16pm PDT

"That such an account would be created and in its responses to others' posts mock, bully, and intimidate members of our community is nothing short of shameful and disgusting," the university statement said.

The university said that since they do not have the power to take the account down, they have reported it to Instagram for harassment/bullying, directed Campus Safety to investigate and have activated the Campus Climate Response Team to respond to the incident.

The university is asking anyone with information or evidence about who is behind this account to contact Campus Safety at 860-297-2222.

"It is time we all find the courage to say 'Enough!'" the university statement reads.