Campus Safety and Disinformation

Ensuring that the University is safe is among my core responsibilities. That is why in the interest of transparency and reassurance I need to address the disinformation that has been spreading on social media about the tragic death of a student on the Montclair campus last week. Do not believe these falsehoods. Do not spread them. 

The incident has been thoroughly reviewed – including surveillance video, eyewitness reports, and additional evidence – and there is absolutely nothing to suggest a crime occurred.

We believe that people outside our University community are mischaracterizing this tragedy as a hate crime in an attempt to divide us further and to falsely portray Montclair as a place of hate.

The University has been in contact with the family, and out of respect for their privacy at this difficult time, is not releasing any additional details.

I recognize that some members of our University community are fearful. That is a natural response, given all the turmoil going on in our world.

There is no known threat to the campus at this time. The University Police Department is actively monitoring the situation and is working closely with state and federal law enforcement agencies.

However, because of the concerns I have been hearing from the campus community, I have directed the University Police Department to increase their patrols. You will see more uniformed officers walking on the campus and patrolling inside our buildings. When you see more police officers on campus, it is not because there is an increased threat level. It is meant to provide reassurance to our students, employees and visitors.

Our police officers are highly trained and prepared to respond to any emergency. Your safety is their number one priority. If you ever see anything that appears to be suspicious, please report it to the University Police Department by calling 973-655-5222. You can share information confidentially by calling 973-655-8477 or sending a text to 67283. Include the word E-TIPS in your message. For emergencies, dial 973-655-5222 or 911.

Montclair students are being prepared to go out and change the world, and to do so by working in harmony with people of many different backgrounds. Let’s remain united and continue to show the world that this University is a caring, inclusive community.