Student protesters at DePauw University interrupted a Q&A with actress Jenna Fischer held by campus leadership on Tuesday to condemn their handling of recent racist incidents, The Indianapolis Star reported.
Though Fischer's presence — which intended to promote her new book, The Actor’s Life: A Survival Guide— was not the issue, a student on Twitter said the event was used "as a way to speak to as many people as possible" about numerous racist messages that had recently been found on campus. According to The Indianapolis Star, these included a "racist threat" in a men's bathroom at DePauw Inn, a "racial slur spelled in rocks" at DePauw National Park, a female student allegedly wearing blackface, an "offensive sign" at a local bar, and a "homophobic and anti-Semitic" message in a campus bathroom.
About 100 students showed up to Fischer's event to protest, with some yelling and others "expressing concern about safety and calling on university leaders to take action" regarding the incidents.
The actress responded with a statement about the event on Wednesday.
Please read. pic.twitter.com/aQjAF5v7yX
— Jenna Fischer (@jennafischer) April 18, 2018
"The student protesters spoke about their experiences and about the hate they have been encountering," Fischer said in a statement on Twitter. "I could feel the pain, sadness and fear coming from these students. No student should feel at risk, or have to suffer the kinds of bigotry and hate these students have encountered."
She added that the students needed to be heard and "need change."
"In light of last night’s events, using the full amount I was paid by the university, I will be making equal donations to the NAACP, the Anti-Defamation League and the Trevor Project in the name of the students at DePauw University," Fischer said.
Some students that were at the event responded to Fischer, expressing their gratitude.
I was at the event and you asked several times what you could do. I think this is what you could do. Thank you, it was a pleasure meeting you and it's nice to know that the students were heard, not only at Depauw, but now, everywhere.
— Courtney Lickliter (@clickliter33) April 18, 2018
i am so blessed to have been able to meet you. you have such a caring and kind soul. you handled the situation and you listened to them. you didn’t stop them and you let them speak. you asked questions on what to do and you followed through. thank you for being so respectful.
— bridget walls 💛 (@bridgetwalls_) April 18, 2018
Regarding DePauw University's response to both the protests and the racist incidents, the college made an announcement on Twitter that there's an ongoing investigation, in addition to providing a location for students who need support or a safe space.
Safety and security remain our highest priority and we will continue working through this situation.
To see the previous message sent by the president to the community: https://t.co/twNvKDqSfI
— DePauw University (@DePauwU) April 18, 2018