Racist texts sent to UW-Madison students, campus police say

by Isiah Holmes, Wisconsin Examiner
November 8, 2024

University of Wisconsin-Madison campus police made a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Friday regarding racist text messages being sent to students. “UWPD is aware of reports that Black UW-Madison students have received racist text messages as part of a nationwide wave of messages that began on Thursday,” the department posted.

Racist text messages were sent to Black Americans across the country following Donald Trump’s presidential election victory. Many of the text messages told  recipients they had been selected to pick cotton at the nearest plantation, and that they should be prepared to be collected by a van to be taken there.. The texts were sent to people in Wisconsin, Ohio, Michigan, Alabama, Virginia, and elsewhere.

The police department post said the department  is “committed to the safety of the UW-Madison campus and community, and we take all reports seriously.” The department has encouraged anyone who feels unsafe or threatened to call (608) 264-2677. The department said callers should dial 911 in an emergency. 

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