Racist graffiti sprayed on a dumpster at an apartment complex near Cal State Fullerton drew condemnation this weekend from campus leaders and community groups.

Campus leaders late Saturday morning learned through social media of “reprehensible and disgusting language spray painted on a dumpster at an unaffiliated apartment complex near campus,” Cal State Fullerton President Framroze Virjee wrote in a statement.

“This vandalism is not only hurtful and abhorrent, it is an affront to everything that we, as Titans, stand and strive for,” Virjee wrote in his statement, which was posted on his Twitter feed. “Although we are continuing to look into and investigate this matter, we want to assure you that our stance and commitment remains the same. We cannot tolerate these kinds of hateful, criminal acts in or around our campus community.”

According to leaders of Cal State Fullerton’s Black Student Union, the racial slur was discovered by a Black student on a construction dumpster at the University Village Apartments less than a mile from the campus. The group in a statement posted on Instagram wrote that they were “disgusted by this display of white supremacy and racist behavior,” which they added was part of a “toxic culture” that Black students “have to endure on and off campus.”

“As Black students we have a right to take up space in the apartments, on campus and everywhere else we may step foot,” the Cal State Fullerton Black Student Union statement read. “For the peace of mind of our students, we demand the person responsible be held accountable.”

The management of the University Village Apartments in their own Instagram post indicated the “extremely upsetting case of vandalism” appeared to have occurred either late Friday or early Saturday. Property management at the complex had the graffiti removed within an hour of learning about it, the statement said.

“This despicable act goes against our values, and University Village Fullerton absolutely does not condone this activity,” the apartment statement read. “We expect respect and inclusion for all members of our community.”

Campus leaders indicated that they are investigating the racist graffiti. In the meantime, they said the campus community must “stand with our Black Titans and our entire community against hate, anti-blackness and the marginalization of anyone.”

“We must stand together against racism and hate,” Virjee wrote. “We must use our voices and our actions to fight bigotry.”

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