The University of Iowa finally confirms Marcus Owens hate crime

Following our report this morning, the university has sent an email confirming the attack that happened this past Saturday night in downtown Iowa City.

While they did not name Owens in the email, they said that according to the victim, he was struck by multiple subjects while being called racial slurs.

The Department of Public Safety sent this email at 11:35 concerning the attack of Marcus Owens this past weekend:

The email is an important first step in dealing with the case that has sparked community and national attention concerning hate crime in Iowa City. Yet it is still disconcerting that the first source to spread his story came out of Chicago, a full two days earlier.  It said:

“The Owens family is by Marcus’ side on campus. They have filed a police report and local and campus police are investigating.”

Also quoting Owens saying, “This is 2016 you shouldn’t expect this to happen.”

It seems clear that Owens has not been afraid to speak up about his abuse and to seek awareness and investigation, even though the university seemed to delay both. The question of sources and speed, though, is second to the concern in this community for Marcus’s well being and the safety of every student on this campus. The culture of hate and abuse if the real enemy in this story.

Another email was sent to a number of UI students and representatives which invited them to take part in a “peaceful discussion” about the situation. An email from one of the executive board member of the Black Student Union confirmed that the discussion will be held tonight, May 4th, at 6 PM in the Iowa Memorial Union River Room.