Bananas Left On Black Temple Students' Dorm Doors

PHILADELPHIA – Temple University officials are reportedly investigating potentially race-related incidents that targeted black students in one of the school's dorm buildings.

Bananas were found outside of Morgan Hall dorm rooms where black students stay earlier this week, according to the university.

One student posted a photo of a banana on a door handle she found in her building on Sept. 11.

Then in the same building later in the week another banana was found at a dorm room, according to Temple News.

These incidents spurred responses from the university, Temple's Student Government, and Temple's Progressive NAACP chapter.

"Temple University will not tolerate unlawful discrimination or harassment in the workplace, academic setting or its programs or activities based on an individual’s age, color, disability, marital status, national or ethnic origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or veteran status," the university said in a statement.

"As a student body, we must condemn such hateful behavior and in the face of adversity, rise above and continue to educate and support one another," the Temple Student Government's statement said.

The NAACP said incidents such as these show that race relations are nowhere near where they need to be in a modern society.

"Claims that we live in a country that is post-racial are legitimized quite often and this event serves as an example of that," the NAACP said of the Sept. 11 incidents.

The student government in its statement said it is working one establishing a community discussion that will focus on diversity at the school.

Temple's police and residence life officials are investigating the incidents to determine if they were racially motivated

"In addition, resources are being made available to the students affected," the university said. "Students responsible could face referral under the Student Conduct Code and/or criminal charges."

Patch file photo