Slippery Rock University said it is investigating two recent incidents during which Black History Month events were interrupted by racist and violent video and audio.

It’s good news that the school is looking for answers. President William Behre promises there will be consequences for those responsible if they are SRU students.

But it’s terrible that these incidents took place. Coupled with two incidents last year at SRU during which students made racist and anti-LGBTQ comments on social media, this shows that hatred remains prevalent in our society, even on college campuses, which are typically considered places that aim to celebrate diversity.

In February, two Black History Month events were interrupted by “Zoom bombing,” a practice during which someone interrupts a virtual meeting with audio or video.

A Feb. 13 poetry reading and workshop was interrupted by the posting of racist and derogatory remarks and images, while another event last Thursday that included a presentation on protests by Black athletes was interrupted by a song featuring racial slurs, a graphic video depicting self-harm and sexually explicit audio.

Some advice for those who perpetrated these attacks: Get a life. Better yet, get educated on the importance of Black History Month.

Behre noted that the police are investigating the incident, and the university will hold three upcoming events during which attendees will be able to discuss opportunities for supporting diversity on campus. SRU also will discuss ways to increase online security during future virtual events.

This is good to hear. We hope the police discover who is responsible for these disgusting incidents, and that they are punished accordingly.

There is no room for hatred in Butler County.

Any attack of this kind is unconscionable, but it’s especially egregious during a Black History Month presentation. Anyone who would spend their time devising ways to interrupt a celebration of the accomplishments of Black Americans likely has few of their own to celebrate.

“The acts perpetrated by these individuals were reprehensible and do not in any way, shape or form align with our institutional goal of fostering a campus climate that is free from discrimination, intolerance and bigotry,” Behre said in a statement.

We agree and support any initiative aimed at combatting bigotry anywhere in the county, while also fostering compassion and celebrating diversity.

— NCD