Auburn University communications director Preston Sparks responded to a request for comment from Monday about an act of vandalism at the school’s Haley Center that was reported as a potential hate crime and said a group of juveniles is likely responsible.
On Sunday, university officials reported an act of vandalism on its online Crime Log and indicated that the incident “may become a hate crime pending additional information.” The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon.
Media reports suggest that the university emailed students about the incident that evening. The email indicated that the property had been damaged and slurs had been written on the whiteboard.
It also indicated that the incident occurred in an office in Auburn’s Haley Center, a large office and classroom building directly next to the Student Center and across the street from Jordan-Hare Stadium.
1819 News reached out to Sparks for further information.
Sparks issued the following statement on behalf of the university:
“Investigation into the vandalism reported in Haley Center this weekend indicates that a group of juveniles is likely responsible. No other damages or incidents were reported, and motive is unclear. Campus Safety continues to work with Auburn Police to identify those involved.”
According to Alabama law, a juvenile is an individual under 18. Law enforcement records for juveniles are generally not made available to the public.
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