Â
The Oberlin College administration cancelled classes on Monday following a series of hate-related incidents on campus that began in February. The last straw came this morning when a figure cloaked in KKK garb was seen wandering near the college’s Afrikan Heritage House, prompting school officials to call for a Day of Solidarity.
Oberlin had been investigating a succession of hate-related incidents that appeared throughout February. Most took the form of offensive notes displayed on campus buildings and facilities, with swastikas, racist, and anti-gay language being used.
The Safety and Security Department and Oberlin’s police department are currently investigating the hooded figure incident. Meanwhile, the college is conducting a series of events throughout the day in lieu of classes to discuss this past month’s events.
“We hope today will allow the entire community—students, faculty, and staff—to make a strong statement about the values that we cherish here at Oberlin: inclusion, respect for others, and a strong and abiding faith in the worth of every individual,” read an online post uploaded by the college. “Indeed, the strength of Oberlin comes from our belief that diversity and openness enriches us all, and enhances the educational mission at its core.”