A non-Boston College student allegedly tore down a Black Lives Matter flyer and an LGBTQ+ pride flag from the door of a resident assistant’s (RA) room in Williams Hall on April 2, according to an email from Director of Residential Education Dorrie Siqueiros to Williams residents.
One resident intervened and stopped the vandalism, Siqueiros said in the April 3 email, and the BC Police Department caught the person responsible, who is a student at a Midwestern college.
“BCPD is investigating the incident and will consult with outside authorities as appropriate,” she wrote. “In addition, Boston College will forward information about this incident to the individual’s school for potential conduct action.”
Siqueiros also said that the alleged bias incident was filed with the Office for Institutional Diversity, and encouraged students to come forward and contact the resident director, an RA, or BCPD if they had any more information about the incident.
“This incident serves as an important reminder that non-BC students are not permitted to be in residence halls during the pandemic, and any students who invite guests to campus are responsible for their conduct,” she wrote.
Associate Vice President for Student Engagement and Formation Tom Mogan emphasized BC’s commitment to addressing all incidents of bias-motivated behavior in an email to The Heights.
“I would reaffirm that the University takes seriously any incidents of bias motivated behavior and students found responsible will be held accountable through our Conduct system,” Mogan wrote.
Siqueiros did not respond to The Heights’ request for comment.
In the email, Siqueiros encouraged the Williams residents to utilize the resources available in the Division of Student Affairs, and contact their RAs and RD if they need personal support in light of the incident.
“It is our mission within Residential Life to create caring, welcoming, and inclusive communities for students from all backgrounds, experiences, and identities at Boston College,” Siqueiros wrote. “There is simply no room for the behavior that occurred.”
Featured Image by Ikram Ali / Heights Editor
