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‘UVa Hates Blacks’ graffiti appears on campus

Posted at 12:12 AM, Jan 14, 2014
and last updated 2014-01-14 00:12:03-05

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WCAV?WTVR)--An act of seeming vandalism at the University of Virginia could indicate the presence of racism on grounds, or could just be a prank.

Some students told CBS 6 affiliates WCAV they're not surprised.

The sign outside the student health center read, "UVa Hates Blacks."

"Since I've been at the university, there's always been this sort of racial tension overcast over everything," student Ebonie Williams said to WCAV.

The graffiti was erased quickly.

"UVa has a lot of diversity as far as numbers, but as far as interaction between those communities and understanding the different cultural differences, it's not there," Williams said.

She said it's also not the first act of apparent racism at the University of Virginia.

The university released a statement to the WCAV regarding the sign, saying:

"The university rejects any such expression of hatred and ignorance. UVa is committed to promoting an inclusive and welcoming environment, and there is no place for intolerance, bigotry or hatred in such an environment. We condemn this act, which does not represent the University's values, and will not be tolerated."

Williams has a message for the person who wrote the graffiti.

"I would pray for them because they're the ones losing out by not interacting with different people and are stuck in their ways," she said. "In the end, it's only them that loses."