Oberlin College Racism Incidents Against Gays, African Americans Cause School to Close in Ohio

Ohio liberal arts college Oberlin has closed its doors to address a spate of racially charged incidents on its campus.

This is highly unusual for the 170-year-old institution as Oberlin is noted for being one of the first schools to accept African-American students and is notoriously gay-friendly.

The hate-filled incidents began on February 9, when several gay-rights and Black History Month-related posters were found to be defaced with derogatory statements. Over the next several weeks, students found swastikas and slurs spray-painted on campus buildings. After a reported sighting of a man in robes similar to those worn by members of the Ku Klax Klan outside the college's Afrikan Heritage House, officials at the school decided to cancel classes on Monday.

Oberlin officials say they made the choice to cancel classes in order "to make a strong statement about the values that we cherish here at Oberlin: inclusion, respect for others, and a strong and abiding faith in the worth of every individual."

Girls showrunner and Obie alumni Lena Dunham spoke out on Twitter against the rash of hate-fueled incidents saying "Hey Obies, remember the beautiful, inclusive and downright revolutionary history of the place you call home. Protect each other."

Oberlin police Lt Mike Mclosky said the alleged Klan sighting may have been a case of mistaken identity.

"Officers checked the area and were unable to locate anybody. College security later saw a student wrapped in a blanket," McCloskey said.

McCloskey added that the original vandals responsible for the derogatory graffiti have been caught and are being dealt with by the school.

"My understanding is that the individuals are college students and they have been identified. They are no longer on campus. The college is dealing with it internally, and we have been working in co-operation with the college."

Charges have not yet been filed.