UPenn officials release update on racist messages sent to first-year black students

UNIVERSITY CITY (WTXF) - UPenn officials have released an update regarding the investigation into the racist messages sent to black UPenn students last week.

Officials at UPenn said Saturday that a number of black freshmen students were added to a racist group which appears to be based in Oklahoma.

The new update says that the criminal investigation into the incident has finished and no UPenn students were associated with sending the racist messages.

They confirm that the three individuals who have been linked to the GroupMe messages that were sent to the freshman black students live in Oklahoma. One of the individuals attends the University of Oklahoma and has been suspended as they complete their internal investigation.

The statement continues:

"Second, our primary concern remains with the students who were the recipients of this dreadful hatred. Many Penn staff members are working with them to be sure that they are receiving all the support that they need. We communicated with all deans earlier today (Sunday) advising them to ensure that faculty are sensitive and responsive to the academic needs of any and all students who are impacted by this absolutely awful incident.

"Finally, we call on everyone to recognize that the events of the past few days are a tragic reminder of the overt and reprehensible racism that continues to exist within some segments of our society, and that we all need to unite together as a community and a society to oppose. We are deeply saddened that Penn students were the victims of this hate, to which absolutely nobody should be subjected. Penn Police continue to work with the FBI and law enforcement in Oklahoma, and our hope is that the full investigation into this terrible incident will be concluded shortly. We will continue the work of healing with members of our community."