MORGANTOWN — West Virginia University was made aware Tuesday that a national hate group, Stormfront, had distributed recruitment flyers on the Morgantown campus. An investigation has been completed, which included the University Police Department communicating with the FBI to gather additional potential information about the group.
These recruitment events are orchestrated by a national hate group organization and frequently target university campuses.
“We all have a responsibility to speak out and reject messages that seek to create division within our community,” Vice President for the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Meshea Poore said. “It is our responsibility — individually and collectively — to denounce messages of hate and racism, interrupt their practitioners, and help heal the victims of their trauma.”
The university asks those who see flyers or recruitment materials from hate groups in Morgantown or on the WVU campus in the future to reach out to University Police at 304-293-COPS. Do not assume the university is aware. Officials also ask that people take photos or screenshots of these materials and provide them when asked.
“If you see something, say something,” Interim Police Chief Phil Scott said. “Notify the University Police Department to report the incident. It takes the actions of all of us to make our campus community safe and inclusive.”
The LiveSafe App can also be used to upload and report information anonymously.
The university further advises that anyone who receives these materials — or any direct hate from those distributing them — and feels like their life is threatened to call 911.
The university has several resources to help students when such messages create trauma and pain. The Carruth Center offers individual counseling as well as a Crisis Text Line that is available 24 hours, seven days a week. Text WVU to 741741 to reach a live, trained crisis counselor. Faculty and staff may seek support through the Employee Assistance Program. Additional self-help resources can be found at carruth.wvu.edu, diversity.wvu.edu and well.wvu.edu.
Dean of Students Corey Farris also recommends students and staff reach out to a trusted friend, advisor or colleague. “The most important thing you can do is reach out to someone,” Farris said. “We are here to listen and to help. We will get you the resources you need.”
In addition, visit safety.wvu.edu to learn how to report discrimination, harassment, non-emergency threats, hazing, sexual assaults and other student concerns. When reporting an incident, be prepared to provide as much detail as possible to help in an investigation.
To learn more about the university’s commitment to equity assurance, students and staff are asked report abuse or file a complaint through the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
“We need to disrupt these discriminatory behaviors by acknowledging they are present and by sharing information on how to report it and where to get assistance,” Poore said. “We have a vibrant, diverse community. It is up to us to defend it against actions that threaten to tear it apart.”
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