Two Chico State students were arrested last week in connection with a hate crime in Whitney Hall that occurred late last month, according to University Police.
University Police Sgt. Robyn Hearne said senior Deric Braito, 22, and junior Timothy Simmons, 21, were arrested around 8:45 p.m. Thursday. The two were charged with a hate crime at the Butte County Jail. She said bail for each suspect was set at $150,000.
Hearne said the police are not sure if the suspects were involved in most recent hate crime in the Nettleton Stadium parking lot.
On Feb. 28, three students returned from a basketball game to find their car's tires slashed and spray-painted racial slurs on the vehicle.
"We can't rule them out," Hearne said, "and we can't rule them in either."
Hearne said the hate crime in Whitney Hall included swastikas and obscenities written on the walls and doors.
"There was a ton of stupid stuff," Hearne said. "It was the white-power type of graffiti."
"We really want to show students of any ethnicity they are welcome."
President Paul Zingg sent a letter to all Chico State students voicing his contempt for the hate crimes. He said he felt disgusted and dismayed.
"I wanted to make it clear that I felt that way," he said. "You have to be clear why these things are distressing."
Zingg said he received about 100 e-mails, phone calls and notes that were supportive of his letter. He said he is pleased with that the students are focusing on the bigger issue of racism in their response rather than the incidents themselves. He said the reactions will help Chico State's diversity image.
"I think it will improve it because the response was so immediate and so heartfelt," Zingg said. "It stated unambiguously what we stand for."
Response so far includes the letter from Zingg, a letter addressed to Chico State students from Associated Students President Michael Dailey, the anti-hate rally by the Women's Center and a resolution by the history department condemning the hate crimes.
Zingg, who met privately with the victims of the Nettleton Stadium hate crime, said the students seem to be appreciative with student's reactions.
"I think they feel the university cares deeply about these matters," Zingg said. "They feel genuinely supported."
Zingg said he is not against talking to the students accused of the Whitney Hall hate crime.
"If it looks like the right thing to do," Zingg said, "I would not be against sitting down with them to talk about the harm involved."
Butte County District Attorney Mike Ramsey said the suspects could be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony, a decision that is up to him. A maximum misdemeanor would mean one year in the Butte County Jail, while a felony conviction would mean a maximum of three years in state prison.
He said he will base his decision on the suspects' criminal history and the facts of the case. Hate crimes do not occur often in Butte County - Ramsey said there are usually about four hate crimes a year.
Scott Jason can be reached at
sjason@orion-online.netRecommended: Articles that may interest you
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