Multiple offensive stickers have been found on Marquette University’s campus, the most recent one found Tuesday, May 3.
The first of the stickers was found Monday afternoon attached to a light pole outside of Cudahy Hall, one of the main academic buildings on campus. The sticker depicts a Black person in a iron gag mask and punishment collar, a torture device used on slaves after they fled and were recaptured. Marquette University’s Black Student Council posted the image to Instagram where several students commented and called out to University leaders.
The poster can be seen in its entirety on the Black Student Council Instagram page.
On Tuesday night, a similar sticker was found depicting a white woman in a bonnet wearing a similar style gag mask.
Marquette University Police Department (MUPD) released a statement Tuesday after the first sticker was discovered stating they were investigating the situation and the parties responsible for the poster remain unknown. Another statement was released Wednesday saying “Without a suspect at this time, the university cannot speculate on the meaning or intent behind the images, or if the person responsible is a member of the Marquette community.” MUPD has inspected all campus light poles and no other stickers have been found.Â
Marquette University President Mike Lovell released a statement in response, reading in part, “Marquette University is aware that a racist poster was found displayed on a public light pole on campus along Wisconsin Ave, and it has been removed. As a Catholic, Jesuit institution, we are called to build a nurturing, inclusive community where all people feel safe, supported, welcomed and celebrated. Racism and discrimination have no place on our campus.”
Marquette community members are encouraged to reach out to MUPD with any information they may have on the matter.
