A racial slur was found scrawled on a sign in front of Duke University’s Center for Black Culture, school officials say.
The school has since painted over the ‘heinous racial epithet’ written in penned in one-inch tall letters on Duke’s West Campus in Durham, North Carolina.
It is unclear whether the person who wrote the slur has been identified, and officials did not say if anybody would be charged in connection with the incident.
In an email addressed to students Saturday afternoon, Duke University President Vincent Price wrote: ‘Such a cowardly and hateful act has absolutely no place in our community.
‘While we can’t undo or unsee this painful assault on our right to live and study in a civil and respectful environment, we can and do promise that odious acts like this will be acknowledged and challenged at every opportunity, especially at a time when some seek deliberately to provoke hatred and distrust.’
Duke University officials are investigating a ‘heinous racial epithet’ that was found scrawled on a sign in front of the school’s Center for Black Culture, according to an email to students
The email continued: ‘I regret that my early words to you in this new semester are marked with sadness and anger.
‘Let us use this moment to come together in support of our fellow students, faculty or staff who are so maligned; let us not allow provocateurs to sow among us discord or malice; let us reaffirm and act upon our commitments to inclusion, tolerance and respect.’
DailyMail.com has reached out to the Mary Lou Williams Center for Black Culture for comment.
According to the university’s website: ‘Established in 1983, The Center remains a safe, welcoming and supportive space that reflects the core values, culture, mission and perspectives of Duke’s Black community.’
Another racial slur had been found on the university’s campus three years ago on a poster for a Black Lives Matter event.
Someone had crossed out the word ‘black’ on the flier and written ‘white’ next to it, followed by the words ‘no n****rs’.
Three years ago the campus reported another racial slur after a someone vandalized a poster for a Black Lives Matter event, crossing out the word ‘black’ and written ‘white’ next to it, followed by the words ‘no n****rs’
Earlier this year a different race-related campus controversy kicked off when a longtime administrator complained about a rap song playing in a campus coffee shop.
Larry Moneta, the vice president for student affairs, visited the Joe Van Gogh shop on May 4 and became angry about the song Get Paid by Young Dolph, which includes the N-word several time as well as the line: ‘I f****d her up real good.’
After having his vegan muffin and a cup of tea, Moneta complained to staff before emailing Duke Dining director Robert Coffey, which prompted the firing of two baristas.
Moneta announced his retirement last month after having worked at the school since 2001.