DOTHAN, Ala (WDHN) — Investigations are underway after students in several states, including Alabama, received anonymous, racially motivated texts over the past few days.
The Associated Press reported that the texts began appearing on Wednesday, one day after the presidential election, and included messages to Black men, women, and children, saying they had been chosen to work as slaves on a plantation.
A statement from Troy University posted Friday night said some of its students were victims of the “racially abusive” texts. Students at the University of Alabama and Samford University in Birmingham also received similar messages, the statement claimed.
“As a university that embraces a diverse campus, and proudly serves as home to John Robert Lewis Hall and the Rosa Parks Museum, I find these messages to be deeply upsetting and totally opposed to the values and mission of TROY,” said Troy Chancellor Jack Hawkins in the statement.
Chancellor Hawkins continued, saying, “It is unclear who is behind these disturbing texts, and the incidents are under investigation by law enforcement. Troy University will cooperate with agencies that are investigating this situation, and we hope those responsible face consequences.”