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U of U CAMPUS ALERT: CAMPUS SAFETY NOTICE (3:15 PM) – TIMELY WARNING

Fri Oct 09, 2026 3:21 PM

The University of Utah Department of Public Safety is actively investigating a reported assault involving racist language and threats that occurred Oct. 8 at approximately 9:30 p.m. near Stillwell Field in Fort Douglas.

Two student residents of campus housing were walking west across Fort Douglas Boulevard toward main campus on Thursday night. A white sedan drove past with its windows down while the occupants of the car yelled anti-Asian and other racial slurs at one of the students. As the students continued across the street, the car turned around and five to six, 15- to 16-year-old male occupants got out and surrounded one of the students while continuing to yell racial slurs. One of the car’s occupants grabbed the student by the arm and punched him in the face. The students walked away and the suspects left the area.

The University of Utah condemns acts of violence, intimidation and discrimination. Every member of our campus community deserves to feel safe and respected. We take reports of this nature seriously and are committed to supporting those affected.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact University of Utah Police at 801-585-2677.

Students seeking support may contact the Office of the Dean of Students at 801-581-7066 or the University Counseling Center at 801-581-6826. In an emergency, call 911.

The university will provide additional information as appropriate and as the investigation continues.

 

Prevention and Safety Tips:

This safety warning is being issued as part of the University of Utah’s efforts to provide timely notifications about serious or ongoing threats to the campus community. While it may be distressing to learn about this incident, it is being shared so you can best protect yourself. Responsibility for a crime lies with the person committing it; however, there are some things you can do to reduce your risk of experiencing crime. Please remember:

  • Use the U’s SafeRide program or a courtesy escort (main campus: 801-585-2677; University Hospital: 801-581-2294) to get around campus.
  • If you feel uneasy, leave the area. Go to a safe location and notify University Police at 801-585-2677, or in case of an emergency, dial 911.
  • Take care of one another and consider stopping and being present until help arrives in situations where someone may be experiencing harm. The person causing harm may stop if other people are around.
  • Report any suspicious activities to University Police at 801-585-2677. Be prepared to provide as many details as possible.
  • Be aware of your surroundings and avoid distractions. Try to avoid isolated or dark areas. Walk in groups whenever you can—there is safety in numbers.
  • If a person approaches you in a way that makes you uncomfortable, maintain a distance and be observant; if they are in a vehicle, get the license plate number, make, model, color, and any additional identifiers, such as damage to the vehicle and direction of flight, if possible.
  • When at home please make sure all doors are locked and safety measures are put in place.
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