[Ucrfacultyandstaff] Message to UCR Community Regarding Hate Crime Incident

[Denise Woods]

To the UCR Community,



On February 18, 2025, UC Riverside police officers responded to an incident in Watkins Hall of a person disturbing the peace and acting aggressively towards students and staff. The suspect, unaffiliated with UCR, yelled multiple slurs and insults at a student victim, and physically attempted to prevent them from using the restroom of their choosing, based on his perceptions of the student’s gender identity.



UCR police officers arrested the man for a hate crime (422.6(A) PC) and barred him from returning to campus (under 626.6 PC). He was cited and released from the Robert Presley Detention Center in downtown Riverside. The case has been forwarded to the Riverside District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.



UC Riverside’s Principles of Community<https://deanofstudents.ucr.edu/ucr-principles-community> are clear and unambiguous about our commitment and responsibility to ensure that the campus is a safe and welcoming environment for everyone. Additionally, harassment and/or assault based upon sex and/or gender, including gender identity, are prohibited by the UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy<https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000385/SVSH>. We strive to create a culture of wellness, providing every student, faculty, and staff with support and opportunities to thrive and succeed.



The suspect in this case violated these principles, and the UCR community, including faculty members, took immediate action. We commend these community members for reporting the crime and for standing up to hate.



Thank you, also, to community members who extended offers of support to the student victim, including college administrative leadership who were made aware of the incident. We reached out to the affected student following the crime to convey community support and to share resources, such as counseling services.



The UCR community has no tolerance for hate and will take action against those who violate the civil rights of our students, faculty, and staff. If you are a victim of a hate crime or witness a hate crime on campus, you have on-campus reporting options including:



  1.  UCR Police & Campus Safety<https://police.ucr.edu/> at 951-827-5222 or call or text 911
  2.  UCR Office of Civil Rights<https://compliance.ucr.edu/office-civil-rights> at 951-827-6223
  3.  UCR Campus Advocacy, Resources and Education (CARE)<https://care.ucr.edu/> at 951-827-6225



Students who need professional and confidential mental health support are encouraged to contact UCR Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS)<https://counseling.ucr.edu/> at 951-827-5531. CAPS counselors are available 24/7 and services are free to all UCR students.



Faculty and staff can contact the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program<https://help.ucr.edu/faculty-and-staff-assistance-program> for confidential counseling, referrals, and other support services.



Sincerely,



Denise Woods

Vice Chancellor, Health, Well-being & Safety



Jeff Talbott

Chief of Police & Director of Campus Safety
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