A message from University Police

This message was e-mailed to students, faculty and staff on Sept. 17 by Communications and External Relations on behalf of the University Police Department:

 On September 10 and 11, twelve University faculty and staff members received multiple variations of an email from an unknown source. The emails were intentionally inflammatory, using racist, homophobic, anti-Semitic and discriminatory language. The wording of the emails was intentionally intimidating and threatening, though no direct and specific threat was made. At this time, we have had no reports of any students receiving similar emails, and no further emails have been reported since the original twelve.

University Police informed all faculty and staff of their investigation on September 11. University Police coordinated with Information Systems and local authorities. They also enlisted the help of state and federal agencies. 

The emails were sent to individual and office inboxes associated with the Department of Sociology, the Department of Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, the LGBTQ+ Center, and the Intercultural Center.

In response to faculty and staff concerns, Wake Forest has increased the police and security presence around the buildings housing impacted offices. After consulting with state and federal authorities, Wake Forest did not cancel classes or issue an alert to students requiring any change to daily activity. 

This investigation is still very active, and we thank you for your patience as authorities continue to pursue answers and follow leads. We will share updates as they become available.

If you know any information that may be helpful, please contact the Wake Forest University Police Department at 336-758-5591.