According to the Associated Press, two University of Missouri students have been arrested on suspicion of hate crimes after cotton balls were scattered outside the Black Culture Center. Campus police arrested 19-year-old Sean Fitzgerald and 21-year-old Zachary Tucker last night (Tues., Mar. 2) based on an anonymous tip.
They face possible charges of felony tampering, but it will be up to the prosecutor to determine if the incident will be classified as a hate crime.
The hometowns of the students were not released, but both students are in the Naval ROTC.
The Feb. 26 incident sparked widespread concern on the Missouri campus. A Monday night town hall meeting at the Gaines/Oldham Black Culture Center drew an overflow crowd of several hundred students and administrators.
Many participants said the cotton ball incident was reflective of the racial tension on campus.
University of Missouri Chancellor Brady Deaton issued the following statement regarding the arrest of the students:
“Based on the information available to me, and in accordance with the University of Missouri’s Student Conduct Code (as outlined in the Collected Rules and Regulations, Chapter 200), I have determined it is in the best interest of the university community to temporarily suspend those students, Sean D. Fitzgerald and Zachary E. Tucker, who have been arrested for their alleged involvement in the incident that occurred on Feb. 26 at the front entrance of the Gaines/Oldham Black Culture Center, pending the outcome of the formal student conduct process.”
Information from the Associated Press contributed to this report.