UW-Whitewater investigating latest report of anti-gay attack
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A police artist's sketch of one of the suspects in an alleged hate-crime Nov. 7, 2010 in Whitewater.
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WHITEWATER — Another University of Wisconsin-Whitewater student has been the victim of an anti-gay attack, according to an e-mail sent to students today.
A female student was approached about 6:45 p.m. Sunday by two males, one of whom pushed the woman and made what the e-mail calls, "a derogatory statement about the victim’s perceived sexual orientation."
A press conference is scheduled for 3 p.m. on campus to provide more details.
The incident happened near the cemetery on the north side of campus, and campus officials are characterizing the attack as a potential hate crime.
The attackers were described as being white, and wearing shorts and T-shirts. One was about 5-feet-6-inches tall, and the other was more than six-feet tall.
In addition to conducting an exhaustive investigation, UW-Whitewater police will provide an increased presence on campus, according to the e-mail sent from Chancellor Richard Telfer's office.
They also are working with the Walworth County Sheriff’s Department to provide a sketch artist to develop a composite picture of the offenders.
In September, a female student wearing a shirt that read "Legalize Gay" was punched while walking near campus.
That attack happened about 10 a.m. Sunday on Tratt Street, where the victim said she was punched by one of two unknown assailants, who called her a "faggot," according to the e-mail.
The assailants fled on foot, and the Whitewater Police Department is offering a reward for anyone who has any information. Tipsters can call (262) 723-2677.
"I have been assured that all campus resources and support are being made available to the victim of this crime," Chancellor Richard Telfer said in the e-mail.
"UW-Whitewater is a place that values all people," Telfer said. "This incident violates our campus mission and values. I have asked that our resources be used to help identify the assailants."
The campus police number is (262) 472-4660. University Health and Counseling Services is also available to students at (262) 472-1305.
Tips can be sent anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 262-723-2677.
Read more in the next Walworth County Gazette, online in the Gazette e-edition HERE, or check WalworthCountyToday.com after 4 p.m.
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Nov 10, 2010 at 9:36 a.m.
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"Don't tell me that the first incident wasn't provoked by the saying on the woman's t-shirt."
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So if I punched you tyger02 it would be ok because my violent response was provoked by your comments which were meant to get a reaction regarding a hot button issue? Or can I only punch you if your words are printed on a shirt. Words provoke us to THINK and FEEL but violence stems from ignorance. "Ignorance breeds fear. Fear fosters hate. In turn, hate leads inevitably to violence." What are you afraid of tyger02?
Nov 9, 2010 at 8:38 p.m.
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These stories in the paper sure seems like a good way to draw attention to the lesbian and gay population at UW-Whitewater. Why was this woman walking alone? I know for a fact that is discouraged for anyone during the night time at UWW, especially women. Don't tell me that the first incident wasn't provoked by the saying on the woman's t-shirt. A hot button issue like that is not free speech it is meant to get a reaction and it did.
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