Student leader: Western Washington University unsafe for women of color

SEATTLE – The student body president of Western Washington University said Wednesday she has received death threats involving her race and no longer feels safe on the Bellingham campus.

“These attacks have threatened my sense of safety,” Belina Seare, a black woman, said during a news conference about the malicious comments made about her on social media.

Seare compared the racist remarks to similar incidents at Lewis and Clark College in Portland and on campuses across the nation, including the University of Missouri.

She brought her concerns to university police and school officials.

“I was told there was not much they could do,” Seare said. “Due to the negligent response of campus police, I know my safety is not a priority.”

In a statement Wednesday, the university’s vice presidents said students who received threats or were subject to hate speech have been offered “enhanced police protection.”

“University Police continues to assess campus safety and have taken precautionary measures including stepped up patrols and security on campus and near campus,” they wrote. “University Police assessment continues to be that there are no threats to the general campus.”

University officials canceled classes on Tuesday in response to racist social media posts and said they are investigating. University President Bruce Shepard said student safety is a top priority and that’s why students were sent home early for the Thanksgiving break.

A series of threats against minorities were posted over the weekend on Yik Yak, an anonymous social media platform popular among college students. Seare and others at the news conference said there have been other social media posts.