FBI aids Salisbury University racist graffiti investigation. Classes canceled to allow time to 'heal'

Salisbury University says its police department is working with the FBI and other agencies to investigate yet another report of racist vandalism on campus.

A Wednesday afternoon tweet from the university says the racist graffiti was discovered in Henson Hall, which is a building for the sciences.

Classes were canceled Thursday to "allow the campus to heal," SU President Chuck Wight announced in a tweet late Wednesday.

The campus NAACP chapter posted an image of the vandalism to social media shortly after the university notified the community. The vandal wrote about hangings during Black History Month and used a slur directed at the black community.

Both the NAACP and Black Student Union say the vandalism had already been painted over.

UPDATE: 'Cowardly' crime: Racist graffiti found twice in one day at Salisbury University

UPDATE: Racist graffiti: Suspect ID'd in Salisbury University investigation

Wight released a statement in response to this "distressing incident."

Details were limited about investigations in fall 2019 after similar incidents. However, Wight confirmed Wednesday that, in addition to local law enforcement, university police have also worked with the FBI.

More cancelled classes: After racist graffiti incidents, Salisbury University hosts events for students to heal

Wight said students and staff may see or be contacted by FBI agents or other law enforcement officers around campus as the investigation continues.

"As you have so emphatically demonstrated in recent months, hate and discrimination will not be tolerated on this campus. I stand with you as we continue to navigate these difficult and unfortunate times," he wrote in the statement.

In the fall, racist and sexually explicit vandalism was found at least three times on the walls of the same stairwell in Fulton Hall.

Background: Racist, threatening vandalism at Salisbury University sparks call for action

Background: After racist, threatening vandalism, what's changing at Salisbury University?

The incidents sparked calls for change from students who felt school leadership failed to take action until the messages escalated to a threat of violence.

Images of one of the fall acts of vandalism reportedly showed it made reference to a 2012 school shooting, invoking a racial slur in a threat against people of color.

After campus dialogues and protests about the situation, a list of initiatives released by SU President Chuck Wight included adding additional security cameras, scheduling regular office hours with administrators and establishing a task force.