The police pulled off two Native American prospective students touring Colorado State University at the request of a nervous parent who called the police on them.
School officials said on Wednesday that the police questioned the men and let them join the organized tour, but by the time they were allowed to leave, the group moved on. The potential students, who made 7-hour road trip to see the university campus, had to return to their home state New Mexico.
The incident prompted criticisms on the social media, some of which were directed at the university’s poor handling of the situation. CSU officials argue that campus police responded to the call appropriately and had to address concerns of the parent.
In an email to students on Wednesday, the university said the incident is “sad and frustrating from nearly every angle,” particularly the experience of two students who were here to see if this was a good fit for them.
“As a University community, we deeply regret the experience of these students, while they were guests on our campus,” the email, signed by Leslie Taylor, Mary Ontiveros and Blanche Hughes, school vice presidents for enrollment, diversity and student affairs.
The university officials and relevant bodies, including admissions, diversity, and police as well as Native American Cultural Center are getting together to review an appropriate process in handling similar situations.