Eastern Michigan police investigate hate message left in school library

Card found between elevators in library

YPSILANTI, Mich. – A message of hate was found Monday in the library at Eastern Michigan University, and the school is vowing to get to the bottom of it.

The card that was found in the library is the size of a business card, and its message directs readers to white power websites.

The student who found the card said it was posted between the elevators in the library. Police now have the card and are checking surveillance video to see who put it there.

Eastern Michigan sent out an email Monday to alert students and faculty.

"The reason why to me it's such a big deal is because little subtle things like that, when people of color see that, it's just like another reminder that somebody doesn't want you here," student Deandrea Sallie said.

"Somebody could have just put it there to just stir up mess, because they know that's what people are going to do," student Tori Huckaby said. "Or some people really feel that way. I know for a fact some people really feel that way."

Last year, there were two incidents of racist graffiti on campus. One was a slur in a stairwell, and the other was spray painted on the outside of a university building.

"I assure you this investigation and identifying those responsible will be a high priority for our police," Eastern Michigan University President Jim Smith said in the email sent to students and faculty. "I also want to note that the racist vandalism incidents last fall remain under active investigation, with police having spent hundreds of hours on that effort."

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Derick is the Lead Digital Editor for ClickOnDetroit and has been with Local 4 News since April 2013. Derick specializes in breaking news, crime and local sports.