Posted on the Craftsbury FPF by Sterling College President, Matthew Derr:
The outpouring of support for Sterling and its students, following a number of incidents on campus this summer, that included vandalism and the theft of Black Lives Matters signs, has been appreciated.
Unfortunately, I write to report another serious incident that took place on the evening of Saturday, August 19 near the Common. A Sterling student was accosted with racial and homophobic slurs by passengers in a car who also threw an object at the student before speeding away. This incident was witnessed by a faculty member.
Faculty, staff, and students are supporting this student and Sterling is once again working closely with the Vermont State Police, who have determined that this incident qualifies as a hate crime.
To take a public stand against racism and injustice in our community, Sterling is organizing a solidarity vigil for Wednesday, September 14. Craftsbury residents are invited to join the Sterling community for dinner at 6:00 p.m., with the vigil to follow on Craftsbury Common.
Sterling will also offer a series of educational programs this fall on issues of inclusion, in collaboration with other community organizations. More details will follow on Front Porch Forum.