Racism Fears At University Of Maryland Prompt 'Action Plan': Report

COLLEGE PARK, MD — The brutal stabbing death of a black Bowie State University student on the campus of the University of Maryland allegedly by a man who appears to be a white supremacist has resulted in the president of the university promising an "action plan" to combat racism.

UMD President Wallace D. Loh sent a letter to the university community on Wednesday that outlined five actions, effective immediately, to deal with racism, according to a WUSA9 report.

The five actions are as follows:

• Create a rapid-response team for any hate-bias incident
• $100,000 in funds to support diversity efforts that educate all members of the Terrapin community
• Develop and release an annual report on all hate-bias incidents on campus
• Strengthen athletics policy to prohibit hate-bias symbols or actions
• Establish a task force on hate-bias and campus safety

Not everyone has reacted well to the president's handling of the situation. Erica Fuentes, a student activist on the campus, said Loh wasn't interested in providing mandatory diversity training.

Had a convo w Pres. Loh about need for mandatory anti-racism and diversity training for students/faculty... he told me it was a waste
— Erica Fuentes (@EricaYoFuentes) May 22, 2017

Army Second Lieutenant Richard Collins III was stabbed to death this past weekend while visiting the University of Maryland campus. He was days from graduating.

Police arrested Sean Urbanski, believing that he may have stabbed Collins because of his alleged white supremacist beliefs. He is charged with first-degree murder.

Image via University of Maryland