UPenn Investigating Racist Cyber-Attack On Campus
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - The University of Pennsylvania is trying to find the source of a racist cyber-attack on black students on campus.
In a prepared statement, University Communications Vice President Steve McCarthy says a number of black freshmen students were added to a racist "Group Me" account that appears to be based in Oklahoma.
He says the account contains "violent, racist and thoroughly repugnant images and messages."
UPenn police and information security staff are trying to locate the source and cut off the offending account.
McCarthy says staff in the office of the Vice Provost of University Life are trying to determine the best course of action for those students who have been effected.
The statement says the University of Pennsylvania is taking steps to address the racist material and the impact on black students on campus.
Mayor Jim Kenney released the following statement...
"I condemn in the strongest possible terms the racist activity taking place at the University of Pennsylvania. Everyone is welcome in Philadelphia regardless of whether they are a freshman at one of our universities or if they've always called Philadelphia home. It is heartbreaking to see this type of activity here in the birthplace of our democracy and the city of brotherly love. I urge the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations to investigate and hold all responsible parties accountable for this disgusting behavior."
