SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — County Executive Ryan McMahon has supported Syracuse University’s Chancellor, Kent Syverud, in his actions dealing with race-related incidents within the last two weeks at SU.
“I am confident that the leadership at Syracuse University and our various law enforcement agencies are doing everything in their power to find those responsible and hold them accountable,” said McMahon.
The County Executive’s statements came in response to over 10 bias-related incidents on Syracuse University’s campus this past week. Racist graffiti, verbal altercations, and the spread of a communist manifesto (used in this past spring’s mass shooting in New Zeland) were just some of the instances causing massive protests across campus. Following the events, Chancellor Syverud suspended all Greek life organizations indefinitely. In addition, he recently signed off on many protestors’ demands.
The movement conditions include: diversity training and hires for university staff, a diversity-inclusive housing process, and stricter punishments for bias-related incidents in the future. The Chancellor also promised he would prosecute those involved to the fullest extent of the law.
New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo disagreed with the Chancellor’s actions, and therefore McMahon’s support.
“Despite his efforts, I do not believe Chancellor Syverud has handled this matter in a way that instills confidence,” said the Governor following the release of the communist manifesto overnight during this past weekend.
Syracuse University’s premiere African American magazine, Renegade, has been the prime motivator in the student’s protests. #NotAgainSU, the primary slogan of the anti-racism protest, has been spread through social media.
The movement’s message is to “replace a culture of fear,” said Nia Gibson, the editor-in-chief of the publication.
As of Nov. 21, only one arrest has been made in connection to the on-campus events. Kym McGowan, 18 of Syracuse, was recently arrested and charged with criminal mischief and making graffiti, both misdemeanors offenses in the state of New York. McGowan is a freshman at Syracuse University, and a member of both the engineering and computer science program at the school, according to the school’s directory.
Fraternity members of the Alpha Chi Rho fraternity at Syracuse have also had charges filed. According to the Department of Public Safety at SU, some of those involved were guests and not Syracuse students. Both groups will be “prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, ” said DPS Chief Robert Maldonado.
