University Of Maryland Announces Unity Pledge To Fight Hate

COLLEGE PARK, Md. (WJZ/AP) — The University of Maryland is taking additional steps to fight hate and increase safety after a fatal stabbing that is being investigated as a possible hate crime.

President Wallace Loh announced Thursday that the school will implement a "pledge for respect and unity" for all students. In the fall, events will be held where students can take the unity pledge reaffirming "respect for human dignity, diversity, inclusion and academic freedom."

The announcement comes after police say a black Bowie State University student was fatally stabbed by a white Maryland student on campus last month. Loh says the school also will clarify the code of student conduct to strengthen hate and bias sanctions.

"I think they still could go much farther. There is kind of a split on campus between students who think that the actions are being proper that are being taken, and students that think much more has to be done," student Shannon Hall said.

It's really hard to say what you can do. I think it's a good start, but again, I don't necessarily think it is enough. But it's hard to say what is enough,"student Amu Gyedu said.

Last week, Loh previously said they would compile all hate incidents into a yearly report, start a task force and form a rapid response team to deal with hate crimes.

"Any other hate groups on this campus get them off. If you can get a group for hazing someone-- fraternity. You should be able to take the hate groups and throw them off campus," said Bob Ross of the Prince George's County NAACP.

The university is also still investigating a noose found at a frat house in April.

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