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EMU Campus Investigation Continues And Reaction Grows Following Discovery Of Racist Graffiti

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An investigation is ongoing after racist graffiti was discovered early Tuesday spray painted on King Hall on the Eastern Michigan University campus. 

The graffiti was quickly washed away by EMU officials who launched an investigation into who may have been responsible.  There were a number of demonstrations on campus Tuesday including what began as a lone, one-man protest by senior Zach Badgerhouse.  He stood near the wall where the racial slurs had been left holding a sign reading, "I want answers."

"African-American students are highly upset, and, like the sign says, I need answers. We need answers. What's this adminstration going to do about this? It's deeper than just taking it off the wall. So, I want answers, and I want them now."

That was also the sentiment of EMU student body president Tanasia Morton, who told me she doesn't feel this is an Eastern problem, believing racism begins at home.

"I'd just want to, like, specify that this has nothing to do with EMU, and this doesn't represent the student body. This has nothing to do with EMU's core values. Like, this couldn't even have been an EMU student. So,no, I don't think this represents EMU, and it shouldn't represent EMU."

Calvin Phillips is Associate Vice President of Student Affairs at EMU.  He has been meeting with concerned students and is encouraging open dialogue about what happened.  He says there is always more work to be done when it comes to race relations at Eastern.

"I think the University has done a good job, but we always look at it as we always have room for improvement."

EMU police chief Bob Heighes says they are checking video cameras in the area of the incident and talking to potential witnesses who have come forward.

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— Lisa Barry is the host of All Things Considered on WEMU.  You can contact Lisa at734.487.3363, on Twitter @LisaWEMU, or email her at lbarryma@emich.edu

Lisa Barry was a reporter, and host of All Things Considered on 89.1 WEMU.
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