YPSILANTI, MI -- Eastern Michigan University is investigating who is responsible for spray painting the letters "KKK" and a racial slur on the wall inside the courtyard of Julia Anne King Hall.

The graffiti was discovered by EMU Tuesday, Sept. 20, on the wall displaying "KKK" in red, white and blue spray paint, as well as "Leave N****rs."

A statement from EMU President James Smith condemned the racial slur, vowing to hold the parties responsible accountable. EMU is launching an immediate investigation into the incident. The graffiti had been removed Tuesday morning.

"A short time ago, we learned that racist graffiti had been spray painted on a wall of King Hall in the courtyard area of the building," Smith said in a statement. "The University strongly condemns such a racist and thoughtless act, which runs completely counter to the values and welcoming environment of our highly diverse Eastern Michigan University community."

Smith also address a crowd of student protesters outside his home on Tuesday. Read what he had to say here.

The EMU Department of Public Safety is undertaking the investigation, Smith said. He is hopeful security cameras located nearby will help provide evidence pointing to who may have perpetrated the action.

"Rest assured, we will investigate this criminal act to our fullest abilities and will advise our campus community on our progress," Smith said. "Let me reiterate, we condemn this act in the strongest of terms and stand strong in our determination to identify the individual or individuals responsible, and then beyond this to address the broader issues in our community that such an action highlights."

Anyone with information regarding this incident should call the EMU Department of Public Safety at 734-487-1222.