A New Jersey woman has been charged with creating fake threats against black college students in "an apparent attempt to increase the urgency" of her campus protest against racism according to police on Tuesday.
Kayla-Simone McKelvey, a recent alumna of Kean University, led a group of nearly 100 students on November 17 in a rally inspired by the protests at the University of Missouri and Yale University. Police say McKelvey went to the college library just a few yards away from where the rally was being held and created a fake Twitter account, @keanuagainstblk.
The 24-year-old allegedly sent anti-black bombing and shooting threats such as "i will kill every black male and female at kean university" from the fake account to gin up more support and reinforce her argument that the university fostered systemic racism.
After the threats were sent out, authorities say McKelvey returned to the demonstration and made reference to the posts. She has been charged by summons with third-degree creating a false public alarm.
Kean University released a statement following the announcement of the former student’s arrest.
"As a diverse academic community, we wholeheartedly respect and support activism, however, no cause or issue gives anyone the right to threaten the safety of others," the school said. "We hope this information will begin to bring a sense of relief and security to the campus community."
College campuses around the nation have witnessed an uprising of students who complain their universities do not foster a "safe space" for learning and, therefore, condone racism. Dozens of administrators have resigned amid protest, and anonymous student groups have created demands including the limiting free speech.