CULTURE

Students Rally + Connecticut Governor Condemns Actions of White Freshman Brianna Brochu at University of Hartford

Facebook Brianna Brochu, 18, of Harwinton, Connecticut

Brianna Brochu, 18, of Harwinton, Connecticut, was arrested by the West Hartford Police Department on October 28 and charged with second-degree breach of peace and third-degree criminal mischief, both misdemeanors. She is a white student who allegedly bragged about smearing bodily fluids on her black roommate’s property and disparaged her as “Jamaican Barbie” on social media.

Instagram Chennel ‘Jazzy’ Rowe

Chennel ‘Jazzy’ Rowe took to Facebook live to share her experience which garnered national attention.

After Brochu’s arrest, students had an emergency meeting to discuss their feelings about the way the case is being handled at the University.

Arrest Warrant for Briana Brochu by FOX 61 Webstaff on Scribd

 

Connecticut Governor Dannel P. Malloy condemned the actions of Brochu after University President Woodward met with students Thursday to discuss their concerns following Brochu’s arrest.

According to the Boston Globe, in a written statement, Malloy’s spokesman, Chris Collibee, said that the allegations “are deeply disturbing and shameful.”

“Governor Malloy strongly condemns these alleged, heinous actions and shares concern for the young woman who was the victim of these heinous acts,” Collibee said. “There is no place for discrimination, hate crimes, or bullying in our society — much less in our places of education.”

The National Fair Housing Alliance issued a statement that the harassment may be in violation of the Fair Housing Act.

Woodward released the following statement Wednesday:

“Dear University of Hartford Community,

I am writing to provide further updates on the deeply disturbing situation involving our students. As of this morning, Brianna Brochu is no longer a student at the University of Hartford. She will not be returning to the institution.

There has been an outpouring of concern for the victim of these acts from across the University and the country. In my meeting with her yesterday, I reiterated my personal commitment to ensuring she has all available personal and academic resources the University can provide.

As I said yesterday, the University took action immediately once these allegations were brought to our attention. University Public Safety was first notified and responded to this incident at 11:48 p.m. on October 17. The reprehensible conduct of the involved student was not known by the victim or the University until that time. By 1:12 a.m. the West Hartford Police Department was notified and processes for legal and University conduct began. A no-contact order was put into place and the case was turned over to local authorities by 2:16 a.m.

It is clear there is work to be done at our University to ensure that all students feel safe, respected, and valued. The conversations that began with student groups, faculty, and staff yesterday are going to continue and involve our full community. I am dedicated to that mission and will continue to share additional information about opportunities for our path forward in meaningful dialogue and action.”

Stay tuned as this story develops.