The University of Kansas Public Safety Office confirmed it is investigating allegations of harassment toward a transgender student on campus.
Moments after the incident, Micha Cox posted her claim via Facebook Live, saying five men pulled up in a vehicle and drove alongside her as she walked from the Sabatini Multicultural Resource Center to Snow Hall Tuesday night.
"As I was walking they rolled their windows down to ask me if I was a real woman. Even better they decide to pull in front of me as I'm trying to cross the street," said Cox in the video.
KU’s College of Liberal Arts & Science released a statement, saying in part:
“When any member of our community is disrespected or singled out for abuse because of their identity, we fall short of our goal of being a campus that is inclusive and safe for all our students.”
Vanessa Delgado, Assistant Director for KU’s Center for Sexuality and Gender Diversity, called the act “unacceptable.”
“We want KU to be a place where students thrive but first feel safe,” said Delgado.
Some students said there have been issues of intolerance and hate toward KU’s LGBT+ community.
“It’s terrible,” said student Matt Comi. “I’ve heard that’s kind of a thing that’s been happening here in Kansas and in the university a little bit.”
Other students were shocked to hear about the possible harassment.
“I’ve never heard of anything like that happening before, especially in our campus,” said KU sophomore Madison Evans. “I feel like Lawrence is a really safe town, safe community. University of Kansas is a safe area to be. We’re very accepting, very open.”
Campus police said they are early in the investigation and are still collecting more information.
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Brian Abel can be reached at brian.abel@kshb.com.
