By Jessica Nolte
Daily Press (Newport News, Va.)
HAMPTON, Va. — Hampton University said it fired nine of its police officers in connection with “misogynistic, racist and other offensive remarks” shared on social media, according to an emailed statement from the Office of University Relations.
WAVY-TV 10 first reported the firing Thursday evening and university relations confirmed the report.
Everyone in the university community is expected to follow the university’s code of conduct, the statement said. The university has no tolerance for “such behavior,” and said the officers were fired after a full investigation.
An online copy of the university’s code of conduct says it embraces the “core values of exceptional character: respect, professionalism, integrity and community.”
Under the respect section of the code, HU students, faculty, administration, professional and other employees are told to respect themselves and others with an appreciation for other cultures and their own.
The community section says members of the HU community are expected to promote inclusion and use technology and social media in a “responsible and respectful manner.” The section cautions that anyone who violates the code of conduct in their social media posts will face disciplinary action.
Hampton University had 47 total law enforcement employees, including 27 sworn officers in 2018, according to state police’s 2018 Crime in Virginia report.
©2019 the Daily Press (Newport News, Va.)