GW was one of more than 25 universities targeted by a Facebook page created by a group identifying as a white student union, which a University spokeswoman said officials have asked Facebook to remove.
“This group is not a recognized student organization, nor does it in any way reflect the values of the university community, which embraces our rich diversity of students, faculty and staff,” University spokeswoman Candace Smith said in an email. “We have reported the page to Facebook and requested that they take it down as soon as possible.”
The page was started on Sunday and has received only three “likes.”
About 30 similar pages at other institutions in the U.S. and Canada have been created.
GW students brought the page to the administrators’ attention Sunday night. Peter Konwerski, the dean of student affairs, addressed the page on Twitter early Monday.
We will look into this FB page. We all share responsibility to create a safe, supportive campus community. #TheresNoPlaceForHate at #GWU. ????????
— Peter Konwerski (@GWPeterK) November 23, 2015
The University’s official Twitter account also addressed the page Monday.
#GWU is dedicated to providing a safe campus for all. Harassment of our students on #socialmedia will be reported to @facebook & @Twitter
— GW University (@GWtweets) November 23, 2015
Similar pages at other institutions, including New York University and the University of Illinois, have been rejected or condemned by officials at those universities.
