NC State Student Body President Jackie Gonzalez, a junior studying political science, reached out to the Student Government Presidents of Bowie State University and University of Maryland-College Park to express her solidarity regarding a recent fatal stabbing.
Last weekend, Richard Collins III, a black Bowie State University student, was fatally stabbed to death three days before his graduation.
In her statement, Gonzalez expressed her sympathies and advised NC State community members to make one another feel safe on campus.
“Our hearts go out to those affected by this tragic loss of life,” Gonzalez said. “Attacks, whether racially motivated or not, shall never be tolerated and I trust the entire NC State Community is standing together to help those feeling the pain of this tragedy.”
Gonzalez recommended students distressed by the recent events to make use of the resources available on campus.
“If this situation has made you nervous, anxious, or upset in any way, please know you have resources on campus, myself included,” Gonzalez said.
For more information regarding resources on campus, please visit the Counseling Center, Campus Police, Women’s Center and the GLBT Center websites.
Earlier this month, Gonzalez shared her first statement as Student Body President condemning an incident that involved hateful and racist messages found on the campus of American University. The Technician published the statement.
According to a press release from the University of Maryland Police Department, Sean Christopher Urbanski attacked Collins at about 3:05 a.m. on Saturday at the university’s campus. The FBI is assisting in the investigation.
Urbanski, a white man, was a member of a white supremacist Facebook group called “Alt-Reich Nation.” Because of this, the murder is being investigated as a possible hate crime. Urbanski is currently charged with murder and assault, and was denied bond by Maryland District Judge Patrice E. Lewis.
To give monetary donations in memory of 2nd Lt. Richard Collins III, you can visit the Bowie State website.
