Islamophobic and Anti-Indian Hate Speech Reported on Wisconsin Avenue NW (11/22/22)

Posted in Bias Incidents Race

What Happened: Two Georgetown students reported to the Georgetown University Police Department (GUPD) that at approximately 6:45 p.m. on Tuesday, November 22, 2022, at the Wawa store at the intersection of Wisconsin Avenue and Prospect Street NW, an unknown suspect used Islamophobic and anti-Indian hate speech to threaten the students, one of whom was wearing a hijab. The suspect was described as a light complexioned man, approximately 5’3″, middle aged, wearing a gray hoodie, long pants, red hat and a black backpack.

“We strongly condemn Islamophobia and anti-Indian hate and we stand together with our Muslim, Indian and Indian American communities,” said Rosemary Kilkenny, Vice President, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer. “We understand the impact this distressing incident has on our community, and resources are available to support our students and employees.”

What Is Being Done:

  • GUPD is coordinating with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) to investigate this incident
  • A Jeanne Clery Act report was filed by a campus security authority.

How to Support the Investigation/Make a Report:

  •  If anyone has information about this incident, please report it to GUPD at 202-687-4343.
  • We encourage anyone who sees evidence of a bias- or hate-motivated incident to file a report through the Bias Related Incident Reporting form, accessible online or via the LiveSafe app, or call GUPD at 202-687-4343. 

Resources:

  • Use the LiveSafe Mobile App. LiveSafe is a personal security system that connects users with GUPD when activated during an emergency situation. The app also allows users to report suspicious activity, request a SafeRide Shuttle or personal escort, and use SafeWalk to share your location.
  • If You See Something…Say Something. Program phone numbers for GUPD, (202) 687-4343, and Georgetown’s EMS responders, GERMS, (202) 687-4357, into your phones. If you are concerned about threatening behavior or are worried about potential violence to the university or someone at Georgetown, contact the Georgetown Threat Assessment Program.
  • Access mental and emotional well-being resources via our Every Hoya Cares online resource center. 
  • The Office of Campus Ministry