A small rally was held Tuesday afternoon after a black doll was found hanging from the shower rod of a dormitory bathroom at Eastern Michigan University. 89.1 WEMU's Jorge Avellan attended the rally.
"I'm upset, I'm angry because this is not the first time something like this has happened."
A group of 10 students gathered outside of Best Hall on campus to voice their concerns over the incident. University officials say an EMU student visiting another student in their suite placed the doll as a prank. African-American student Shonte Jackson says it's no joke.
"Sometimes I feel like I'm alone on this campus because racial acts are done and things like, 'Oh, it was a prank, we talk to them, it's OK.' And then time goes on and a racial act happens again," said Jackson.
Eastern spokesperson Geoff Larcom says the university does not see this as a prank and criminal charges may be filed.
"One of the questions would be, 'Is there ethnic intimidation?' That may be something that would apply to the county prosecutor," said Larcom.
The university's Public Safety Department and the Office of Wellness and Community Standardsare investigating the case.Non-commercial, fact based reporting is made possible by your financial support. Make your donation to WEMU todayto keep your community NPR station thriving.
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— Jorge Avellan is a reporter for 89.1 WEMU News. Contact him at 734.487.3363 or email him javellan@emich.edu
