TUCSON, Ariz. - Ever since a black student said he was the victim of an assault and racial slurs -- the University -- and black students have been working to respond.
While the suspects face criminal charges, students, and the administration face the challenge of how to build inclusion on campus.
University of Arizona Police arrested Matthew Reed Frazier and Matthew Spencer Rawlings last Friday morning but the alleged incident was reported three days before police made the arrest.
That prompted UA's Black Students Union to protest the University's response Friday afternoon.
Thursday, University President Doctor Robert Robbins released a statement saying, in part, racism, bias and violence will not be tolerated at the University. He promised the administration will respond to bias and discrimination and urged everyone to make the same commitment.
On Facebook, UA's African American Student Affairs said the Black Students Union had a two hour meeting with President Robbins by video conference Friday and will meet with him and senior administrators Tuesday. A UA Spokesman said he was unable to confirm that Tuesday meeting.
While the University develops a broader response, the two students charged with assault are preparing for formal arraignment in court next week.
We talked to criminal defense attorney Mike Piccarreta who told us even if the victim chooses not to press charges the state can press charges because a criminal offense is an offense against the state. And because this is an assault charged as a class one misdemeanor the chance of as much as six months in jail is a real possibility.
