North Carolina’s 4th District Representative Valerie Foushee has pressed the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to take swift action after members of the Taiwanese Student Association reported a racially charged encounter on campus. The students said a group of about 16 white men approached them on August 29, mimicking “monkey‑like” gestures that they described as clearly racist and hostile.
Student accounts and campus response
Yu‑Chao Huang, a doctoral student, recounted the incident, saying the men got uncomfortably close and placed their hands on the ground in a manner that felt like a demeaning gesture toward Asian students. “It made us feel really uncomfortable,” Huang said.
The incident follows a separate harassment reported on August 31, when a man allegedly targeted several Black students during a watch party for a television dating show. That individual has since been charged by campus police.
Rep. Foushee’s letter to Chancellor Lee Roberts
In response to both incidents, Rep. Foushee sent a letter to UNC‑Chapel Hill Chancellor Lee Roberts requesting that the university take concrete steps to ensure that students of color feel safe on campus moving forward. The congresswoman emphasized the university’s responsibility to protect all students and to demonstrate a commitment to an inclusive environment.
“We can still build an inclusive, safe environment if the university responds on time and in the correct manner to show they are willing to protect everyone on campus,” said Yu‑Hsiu Lien, another member of the Taiwanese Student Association.
University’s stated actions
UNC‑Chapel Hill has not yet identified the men involved or indicated whether they will face disciplinary measures if they are found to be students. A university spokesperson said the institution is “committed to working with students to advance violence‑prevention education and other programming.” The university also confirmed that surveillance video of the incident exists, and the Taiwanese Student Association plans to review the footage with the university’s compliance office on Tuesday.
Community implications
The incidents have sparked concern among students and local residents about campus safety and the broader climate of respect for international students. While the university has pledged to address the matter, many are watching closely to see whether concrete policy changes or disciplinary actions will follow.
Local leaders and community groups have called for transparent investigations and for the university to reaffirm its commitment to protecting all students, regardless of race or ethnicity. The situation underscores the ongoing need for universities to foster environments where diversity is respected and where any form of harassment is promptly addressed.
Original reporting: WRAL Raleigh — read the source article.
