UCSD police investigating hood covering campus statue

UC San Diego police Tuesday were investigating the discovery on campus of a white pillowcase crudely fashioned into a Ku Klux Klan- style hood.

The hood, with a hand-drawn symbol on it, was found about 11 p.m. Monday on a statue outside the main campus library, according to a UCSD statement. A rose was inserted into the statue’s fingers.

UCSD officials said police are processing the items for evidence, including fingerprints and DNA analysis, and will pursue those responsible to the full extent of applicable laws and the university’s code of conduct.

“We will not allow this incident, or any incident, to deter the progress we are making to change and heal our university community,’’ UCSD Chancellor Marye Anne Fox said. “We will not tolerate these despicable actions.’’

The discovery comes on the heels of a number of race-related incidents that have sparked demonstrations at UCSD and pleas to administrators to improve safety and bolster diversity on campus.

Racial tensions first exploded at UCSD after an off-campus party on Presidents Day mocking Black History Month. Billed as the “Compton Cookout,” participants were urged to dress “ghetto” and organizers advertised that they would serve chicken, watermelon and malt liquor.

UCSD administrators have condemned the incidents and pledged to investigate. The university has also agreed to form a task force to try and attract more minority faculty and boost the number of black students.