Racist Incidents Under Investigation In Oswego, SUNY Campus

OSWEGO – SUNY Oswego is investigating a video of an unidentified person wearing what appears to be a Ku Klux Klan hood that began circulating on social media two weeks ago.

The video, shot in the City of Oswego, appears to have been captured somewhere in the area of West Seneca Street between Fourth and Eighth streets on Halloween.

At the same time, incidents of racist behavior relating to the SUNY Oswego campus have been disclosed. Reports of virtual events being “Zoom bombed” by individuals making derogatory, vile and reprehensible remarks in Zoom chat rooms have been reported and are currently under investigation.

Mayor Billy Barlow and the Oswego Police Department, along with SUNY Oswego, have been working at finding additional information regarding both incidents. OPD investigators went to area neighborhoods in an effort to collect additional footage of the alleged incident as the original video is dark, filmed from a distance and somewhat grainy.

“After seeing the video, we sent two investigators in [to] the area, kind of going through the neighborhood, going door to door – asking anyone if they have any information. The recording itself that’s circulating is a bit hard to see,” Barlow said. “We have established that the video is from Halloween night, which further complicates it because it’s really not definitive if the person was wearing an alleged KKK hood or some other costume. We do see that some other people are with that individual in costume. So, we’re still trying to put some pieces together. We have not had an official report or complaints come in to OPD; this is all based off that video going around social media.”

SUNY Oswego President Deborah F. Stanley sent out a letter November 7 condemning the recent actions, laying out measures to ensure campus and student safety. University Police have increased surveillance of the campus while partnering with the Oswego Police Department to elevate safety patrols within the community.

In addition, Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students Dr. Jerri Howland and Student Association President Lizeth Ortega are working with Chief Technology Officer Sean Moriarty to create training for student groups and event organizers to secure Zoom events.

“Let me make it absolutely clear; we have zero tolerance for such behavior. We will pursue all appropriate action for violations of the Student Code of Conduct,” Stanley said in the letter. “Our staff in Student Affairs and the Counseling Center are available to students should you need any resources or support. We will continue to closely monitor any reports where the safety and well-being of any member of our campus community is in question. Here at SUNY Oswego, as we toil to learn and grow, let us be united in the desire to move forward together with respect for one another and in peace.”

The OPD is still engaging in their weekend Social Distancing Details, with police presence increased on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings. Barlow encourages anyone with information to contact the OPD at 315-342-8120 or University Police at 315-312-5555.

Both investigations are still ongoing and more information will be shared as it is released.

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