By: Angelica Mozol, Social Media Manager & Destiny Torres, Staff Reporter
University Police are seeking any witnesses who saw suspicious activity the night of Nov. 7 and morning of Nov. 8 around the entrance of the Queer Culture and Resource Center in the Loker Student Union.
A symbol was found Nov. 8 that has been used as a symbol of hate toward the LGBTQ+ community in recent years, specifically targeting gay men.
QCRC Director Karama Blackhorn chose not to comment on the matter due to the heaviness of the subject.
“You should never have to question that you belong here or that this campus isn’t a safe space for you to be who you are,” University President Parham said in an email sent to a portion of the campus community. “Let me be clear, bigotry, and attempts to assault people’s humanity has no place at CSUDH.”
Many people questioned who did the crime after hearing about it and expressed solidarity with the QCRC.
“I personally don’t use it [Queer Culture and Resource Center], but my baby brother identifies as an LGBTQ+ member so hearing about the hate crime really pissed me off and gave me a bigger push to support the community,” Kimberly Garcia, a freshman majoring in computer science, said.
“I actually went to the center’s blessing ceremony last semester.. everybody was so spiritually welcoming and warm,” Yadira Martinez, a sophomore majoring in women’s studies said. “I think every person that stood with us then should stand with us every single day, especially now.”
University Police Lt. David Hall said that the department has “no other details available on the hate symbol incident at QCRC to add to the President’s message other than we are looking for witnesses.”
Hall said anyone who saw anything suspicious from 8:30 p.m.-11 p.m. Nov. 6, or between 7 a.m.-8 a.m. Nov. 7 should contact University Police at (310) 243-3639.
The QCRC is located in Loker Student Union 215 Monday through Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. and Thursday from noon to 8:00 p.m.