UNI president responds to derogatory posts

After concerns were raised at the University of Northern Iowa regarding racist, sexist and anti-Semitic posts on a social media application, acting UNI President Michael Licari sent out on Friday a campus-wide email assuring students the posts were not representative of UNI.

"On behalf of the entire university community, I call on those who have been making these posts to understand the impact of your actions and stop," Licari wrote. "There are important members of our community who are deeply hurt by what you say and write. However, know that your thoughtless attempts to undermine the very fabric of our community when you speak hate under the cloak of anonymity will fail."

Yik Yak is an anonymous social media app that allows people to create and view posts within a mile and a half radius. Some of the posts include: "#KeepUNIWhite2014," "If you ain't white, you ain't right" and "I chose uni because I didn't see a single black person on my visit day."

Faculty, administration and students have been discussing what actions to take, including contacting Yik Yak or instating social media regulations. Though discussions are still taking place, educational and social media events are planned for the future, said Scott Ketelsen, spokesperson for UNI.

A Drake University student was arrested Friday after anonymously posting threats on Yik Yak, saying that, "Columbine will look like child's play." Michael Zachary Crisp, 18, was taken to Polk County Jail.