Sixth-year human rights and political science student Arun Smith continues to be targeted by “hateful” image macros, after new images appeared on the Internet July 12.
Smith found 14 macro images about him on April 4. He said many of them were homophobic and threatening.
The new crop of images were based on claims that he is fascist.
“It’s unfortunate, It’s childish, and I don’t like to say its childish because children are capable of much more than this. It’s just a particularly immature way of dealing with someone you don’t agree with,” Smith said.
Smith said he made a complaint to the police in June about the original images.
“It is an ongoing investigation. First, it was investigated by the hate crimes division, and then it was transferred to another division in order to get a more complete record,” Smith said.
Although the site has been removed already, Smith said he took screen shots of the site to add to the police investigation.
“I am disappointed, but I’m in a much better place to deal with them this time around,” Smith said.
Director of student affairs Ryan Flannagan said an investigation was conducted and “will be successfully completed sometime in the next couple of weeks.”
Smith said he is very impressed with Carleton’s response. On July 20, he met with Flannagan to discuss how to discipline one of the people involved.
“The meeting went very well. Student Affairs is going to apply sanctions soon . . . I can’t give you any more information than that until that person gets the sanction letter in a couple of weeks,” Smith said.
Punishment could include an apology, community service, a fine, or a suspension, according to the Students Rights and Responsibilities policy.
“If there are more people involved, I hope they come forward. Until then, life goes on,” Smith said.
He said punishing one person won’t stop others from posting inappropriate comments online.
“I hope this sets an example, and shows this kind of behaviour isn’t tolerated,” said Smith. “I feel relieved, but trepidaciously relieved.”
