In the wake of the Virginia Tech tragedy, Keene State College experienced instances of graffiti sympathizing with VT shooter, Cho Seung-Hui. The KSC administration is taking the situation very seriously.
According to a KSC campus alert posted Wednesday, April 18 at 8:16 A.M. by KSC Campus Safety, “At approximately 7:45 P.M. tonight, Tuesday, April 17, an individual reported finding graffiti on the wall of the men’s bathroom in Morrison Hall stating, ‘Go VT is going to happen here 2’ [sic].”
Campus authorities immediately contacted the Keene Police Department, which began an investigation to determine the identity of the offender.
A similar incident occurred April 26 during the school’s annual Chalk Talk event. This event is designed to alleviate stress caused by impending finals. Students are provided with sidewalk chalk and told to write notes, draw designs and generally have fun with sidewalks on campus.
“At approximately 11:10 P.M., graffiti was observed at the front of the Science Center and at the rear of the Mason Library…The graffiti made a veiled reference to the incidents at Virginia Tech. The Keene Police were immediately notified and both buildings were checked by officers,” said Corinne Kowpak, Vice President of Student Affairs, in an e-mail sent to KSC students, addressing the second incident. In the e-mail she also asked students to report individuals who may be exhibiting odd behavior, or who have expressed threats of violence.
Prior to the second incident, the administration of KSC also posted on the student bulletin acknowledging the concern of parents and students in the wake of the Virginia Tech tragedy and the first graffiti incident. “Classes are not canceled. We have asked faculty to be sensitive to our students concerns. Students who feel unable to attend classes should immediately contact their professors,” said the administration.
In a letter to parents sent out April 27, Kowpak explained that there are currently additional patrols in classroom buildings and residence halls, as well as visible vehicular patrols around campus conducted by Campus Safety officers.
“We are taking this very seriously because, quite frankly, it made people feel unsafe at KSC,” said Kowpak. She also said that when the offender or offenders are apprehended, disciplinary procedures will be pursued by the school in addition to possible criminal charges.
Sgt. Brian Costa of the Keene Police Department said, “There are no suspects as of yet, but this is a continuing investigation. Liason officer Darrel Mannon is working closely with the administration of Keene State College to resolve this situation.”