LBPOST.com: UPDATED: Statement From Transgendered Victim Of Campus Attack

Thursday, September 2, 2010

UPDATED: Statement From Transgendered Victim Of Campus Attack

by Ryan ZumMallen | Long Beach News | 04.28.10 |

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5:00pm Wednesday | The 27-year old transgender CSULB student who was attacked on campus two weeks ago has released a statement. The victim, graduate student Colle Carpenter, had the following to say:

On April 15 I was attacked while on a break from class at Cal State Long Beach. Since this happened to me, I have received respect and support from the university, far beyond what I expected. The campus police have made every effort to conduct a thorough investigation and have been especially concerned with respecting my wishes for privacy and for ensuring my safety.

I�m aware the university has come under criticism regarding communications and response in general, but again, I feel that the administration�s response has been focused on the investigation and my well-being. I think it�s really unfair that the university is being criticized. I requested time alone to heal privately with my family and the university honored that request. The university statement was released 20 minutes after I approved the sketch of the suspect.

I appreciate the outpouring of support from the community. However, some people and organizations have directed their anger and fear toward the university instead of the person who did this. I think the most important thing for everyone to understand is the need to find and prosecute the person who hurt me. Attacking the university is counterproductive.

In my past three years I have received nothing but support from the faculty and staff. Attacking a campus that has supported LGBTIQQ students is wrong. Portraying the university as being unwilling to face the attack head on could cause someone to decide not to go to school here and that would deny them access to the supportive and welcoming university that I am honored to call home.

I chose to return to my classes and CSULB is doing everything possible to make sure I feel safe in that decision.

*

CSULB Police sketch of suspect.�

Updated 4:30pm | The university has released a statement and a sketch of the suspect in last week's attack on a 27-year old transgender student on campus. The sketch is above. The suspect is described as a male in his 20's either 5'9 or 5'10, with light complexion and dark hair. The incident occurred in the men's restroom on the west side of the KKJZ building.

"University Police strongly believe this was an isolated incident and that there is no additional threat to the campus community," reads a statement from the university.

Updated 1:40pm | A�Facebook posting from late last night obtained by the LBPOST.com titled "Transphobia escalates to real life violence at CSULB" describes the incident as:�"A [transgendered] student left class [Thursday] night to go to the bathroom and on the way there was assaulted by someone who knew him by name but whom he didn't know. He beat him and threw him against a wall then carved "It" on his chest with a knife."

Breaking 12:00pm |�The LBPOST.com learned this morning that a transgendered CSULB student reported to University Police on April 15, 2010 that a suspect encountered the student in the Lecture Hall 151 restroom, slashing his chest with a sharp object. Police have not said whether the attack was because the student is transgender, and are continuing their investigation.

The 27-year old student was called by name by the suspect in the men�s restroom and the student responded. The suspect then pulled the student�s t-shirt over his head and pushed him into a stall, using a sharp object to slash the student�s chest. The suspect then fled. Police did not say whether the student knew the suspect.

More information will be available soon, police said, possibly including a suspect sketch. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Johnny Leyva at 562.985.4101.

Comments

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54 Comments so far.

Outraged
What? Why did we not hear about this before from Cal State Long Beach???? This is terrible...

Nikol
This is so sad. What is wrong with people???

Richard
People who h8 others make me sick. @outraged: you are so right. WTF is CSULB thinking hiding this from people??

Bill Orton
Hatred is an irrational, twisted emotion. This horrible act reminds us that we should not be talking about hate CRIMES, but instead of hate criminals. Any crime committed with hatred in the heart -- no matter the act -- should be subject first to the maximum punishment allowable under the law. Any act can be a crime of hate, but because the emotion is irrational, it makes no sense to articulate what crimes or victims should be covered under a law. Turn the debate to hate CRIMINALS and it becomes about any offense on the books being used in the prosecution of hate criminals. --:-- My deepest sympathy to the student who was attacked.

Julie Whaley
Oh my....this is so sad. This happened last week? Was the campus trying to hide the story...I feel so bad for the student. Are they getting the student help? No matter the person's gender identity or sexual orientation, no one should be a victim of a hate crime.

LKM
This is outrageous! Another incident on a university campus. A thorough investigation must be done. The California Civil code 51.7 states: "All persons within the jurisdiction of the state have the right to be free from any violence, or intimidation by threat of violence, committed against their persons or property because of their race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, political affiliation, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability or position in a labor dispute, or because another person perceives them to have one or more of these characteristics." For those of you who don't know this the Long Beach Police Department is working hard to address Hate Crimes. Contact the City of Long Beach Himan Dignity Program at 562-570-6948 or the Police Department at 562-435-6711. Please keep us posted on the details of this case. I would like to know what CSULB is doing about it. Thank you.

A Cyclist
People make me sick. Why is it so hard to leave others alone?

Bob Mathen
Sad news. I have to agree with @Outraged and @ Richard, why did CSULB keep this quiet? I am almost as outraged that the University did not put out a statement on this last week. This type of hate has no place in our community. Thanks LBPost for keeping us informed of this, and please track this story. We need the media to keep institutions like CSULB in check and to ensure that they are being transparent. Get all the facts on this one, we need more info! If there was an attempted cover-up, now that's a story!

KJ
These crimes are not only domestic--they are international. They are not only crimes against the victim, but also against some transgendered people who live in fear on a daily basis. Please consider attending the Hope and Freedom Film Festival on May 22nd. hopeandfreedomfilmfestival.org We will be showing a film on the violence against transgendered people.

Susan
Any attack on campus is horrible. But if it were because on the student's TG status, it would be especially sad. I'm an alum, and many of my G/L/TG friends actually found CSULB to be such a safe and friendly place that they felt safe to really be themselves for the first time in their lives. I wish the general science and psychology classes would address the issue of sex/gender identity and social conflict. In psych classes, addressing the mental state behind feelings of violence towards others who are "different" (confusion about their own sexuality, insecurity, inability to cope with stress) and the scientific debate over the evidence of homosexuality/transgender being actually "hardwired" instead of a "choice" would be a BIG step towards helping students discuss these issues openly and maybe pick up some better coping skills along the way. Yes, these are controversial issues, but important ones, and should be discussed in a the university as a step towards promoting tolerance, if not acceptance.

CSULB Student
I totally agree with "Outraged" why didn't the school tell us about this? why can't people just leave others alone, is it really that hard to just live your own life without having to hurt other? i hope the student is doing just fine.

Green Beret
Hey Eric , Bill Orton says Hatred is an irrational twisted emotion. And I don't hate you but I do think you're twisted. Its really sad this innocent person was attacked and I am convinced its a hate crime. The good news is when the coward gets caught it means more time in prison for the stupid idiot because it was a hate crime. He will have time to think about what he did in prison when he becomes someones girlfriend. Hope this creep that did it is scared senseless. And its a disgrace the college did not make this public. I think the people responsible for keeping this quiet should be permanently laid off because they are acting like they discriminate themselves.

Rickatsea
What happened is still anyone’s guess but it appears a lot of people are getting upset with the College, the other person all before they get all the facts. “We” are assuming it was a hate crime and it could well have been but why not wait for the facts first?

Bill Urban
I hate people who hate other people.

Jaclyn Tilley Hill
Very sad. Would LBPOST have reported this story earlier if you had access to CSULB Police log?

Resident
Allot of assumptions going on here, I do agree that if this is a hate crime the perpetrator should prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law but Rickatsea is right, let’s wait for the facts.

Loverboy
I hate haters!

Tanya Brawley
Let's get some facts.

edward
It's a shame CSULB did not report this earlier.

Need facts
If this is what it sounds like, I hope that they find the perp and throw the book at him. I wish that there were a video of the hall. I'm one of the people who's there for support of any victim of injustice, especially hate crime. But the police may not have released this because of an investigation or because the victim delayed reporting it--who knows? And we also don't know the facts behind this. There have been, sadly, reports of hate crimes that are just attention getters, which really adds a cry-wolf thing to it. I'm waiting for facts. If it's true, I hope that the perp gets what he deserves.

Dr. Karl
Unfortunately, many in our society still think of homosexuality, includng transgender, as a amatter of choic. Let's get with it, folks, and realize that this is an innate difference, not a matter of choice.

liz
This attack is only one of recent events of this kind. See Gustavo Arellano's piece "Jew-Bashing, Gay-Trashing La Voz de Aztlan Harasses Long Beach State Chicanas": http://blogs.ocweekly.com/navelgazing/the-hilarious-haters/jew-bashing-gay-trashing-la-vo/

CSULB Grad Student
I am outraged! We should have heard about this on campus...

A. Norman
The saddest thing about this whole situation is that the idiot who perpetrated this foul crime won't hear (or read) the kind of comments made here. On the other hand, CSULB needs to get this kind of information out to the general public so that people of similar orientation can protect themselves. We have enough of the silent treatment with the recent Catholic Church cover overs.

Jordan B.
I am so angry right now. As an LGBT student on campus, why were we not informed of this? Why??? I am outraged that this would happen to one of our students - and MORE UPSET THAT CSULB DID NOT ANNOUCNE THIS!!!! Where are our LGBT Facutly on this? Our LGBT staff? Why are they silent???? It's a sad day for Cal State Long Beach.

Jane
This is awful. So why are people more concerned with CSULB's handling of this than with the fact that A PERSON WAS ATTACKED? Also, there seems to be a bit too much discussion about whether we should call this a hate crime without knowing all the facts. The fact is, someone was attacked and harmed. How we classify the case and why is of lesser importance.

CHARLIE
When they catch him - Put him in my Plan B Camp...

Angry CSULB Student
Is there a link to the press release from CSULB regarding this incident?

Birdman of long beach
Jane , no disrespect here. But it is important to know whether it was a hate crime or not so others with alternative lifestyles can be at peace or do they need to carry pepper spray and be on there guard. I think the public has shown a interest in both because its irresponsible for the college not to inform the students. They will probally say they didnt want to start a panic. But the students have a right to know if there is someone potentially dangerous on the campus. The guy that did this may be a potential killer and nobody knows for sure at this point. I wonder why no one on the falcuty at Cal State commented here ?

Gary
Isolated incident, "It" carved into his chest, CSULB and police held off on info or notification....hmmm. I'm saying this is not what it seems. Feels like a "perfect storm" for contention. If there was a real threat, things would be different. Time will tell.

Paul
"I hate people who hate other people,"said Bill Urban. Loverboy said,"I hate haters." So you both hate yourselves? You hate each other?

Judy Griffith
I really feel sorry for this student. No one , I mean no one deserves to be trated like this. there are alot of bad, nasty people out there. I know you can't carry mace, But how about caring a small can of hair spray. If you get a chance, right in there eyes. It's what they deserve. You should had have to defend yourself like this. Hope he is ok.

Jon
There is no reason for this type of violence. But I can't stand the "hate crime" thing. How is stabbing someone for money any better than stabbing somebody because you don't like them. They are equally as bad in my book. Every violent crime is a hate crime and they should throw the book at all offenders, regardless of motive.

Jon
Paul, good observation.

Jules
This is quite disturbing to read. CSULB Police were probably too busy pulling people over on 7th Street entering/exiting the 22 Freeway for any minor traffic infraction they can find than... you know, actually patrolling the campus.

Faculty
You can comment on these issues at this Huffington Post about hate speech and hate crimes. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/shira-tarrant/free-speech-hate-speech_b_550710.html

The Center Long Beach
The Center Long Beach and the City of Long Beach do not tolerate hate crimes, bias incidents or violent crimes towards anyone, including the GLBTQ community. The City's Human Dignity Program is a resource for victims of bias and/or hate crimes. The Center works very closely with the Human Dignity Program and the LBPD. CSULB law enforcement officials say they are still investigating last week's incident as a hate crime. We support their efforts in locating the suspect. We also reach out to the victim and hope he is safe and recovering. If you have been a victim of a hate or bias crime, pls call our hotline at (562) 433-8595 [non-emergency].

elb
I thought the sketch looked like a woman!!! I was surprised to read it was a male.

Concerned
No one hears about this at the campus because trans-issues aren't important to the general public, promote trans awareness by educating your peers, I heard about it before many people and I live in Irvine. Education is the first step to stop cowards like this guy.

CSULB LGBT
This story will be analyzed in full tomorrow evening on Kbeach Radio's LGBT Hour (7-8pm). We will be hearing from several people. This brings attention to a greater problem on our campus. Many students are afraid to come out even though they are our and open in the neighboring community of Long Beach. We will explore ways in which the campus can help foster a safer environment where people do not feel afraid. www.kbeach.org or go to the APP store on your Iphone and download the APP KBEACH.

JR Salazar
Only a matter of time before they find him. I just realized something. The face looks disturbingly like a younger version of this: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e9/Official_portrait_of_Barack_Obama.jpg Gulp.

disgusted student
the fact that this attack took place during the campus' LGBT diversity week http://tinyurl.com/23bexr7 is either just sadly ironic or no coincidence at all. I'm disgusted with the campus police's response to this attack. If any other student (i.e. one who is not trans) had been attacked in this way, you bet we would have been alerted. Good luck solving this crime with CSULB police on the job. If I remember correctly there are still several rape victims on campus whose attackers have never been caught. Students need to take action. The police and administration cannot be counted on to secure your safety, that much is clear.

BRANDON HILTON
This is absolutely UNACCEPTABLE, and pisses me off so much, have we learned nothing, have we not progressed any as a society. PATHETIC! I hope they find the attacker and carve 'PIG' into his face!

Andy Leon
This is wrong.....what wrong with this crazy people...this upset me alot....this people make me sick.

Roger
Thank you Colle for helping people understand what happened and how you feel about the school's response. I think it's easy (sometimes for good reason) to get upset with larger entities (be they corporate, government or otherwise). I think we can all take a queue from your willingness to share after such an ordeal. I certainly admire your courage too! I wish you all the best.

Susan (again)
On the issue of CSULB reporting this first: I've experienced CSULB's reluctance to admit to crime on campus first hand. I grew up across from the campus, and remembered the rapes occurring when I was in junior high. However, when I was taking my freshman orientation tour of the campus, the guide flat-out lied and told our group that there had NEVER been a rape on Campus when asked about safety by a concerned parent. The guide was pretty peeved when I immediately piped up and asked "Um, what about the serial rapist they never caught five years ago?" She hadn't been told about it either.

SSS
Ha. CSULB had the last laugh on this one. As you can see by the victim's article. It was kept quiet because the victim asked that their WISHES be respected and CSULB DID THAT. See what happens when you jump to conclusions people before you have the facts. That's just a lesson in media period. The victim says to direct the anger at the suspect and NOT the school.

Anonymous
Everyone just shut up about how CSULB didnt report this right away, stop trying to feed the fire by criticizing the univesity for not being up in arms grabbing the torch and pitchforks. I hope all of you eat your words when you read what the VICTIM said. I hope you know what "with respecting my wishes for privacy" means.

Wally
This is a very sad story indeed. It is also sad to see how people jump to all sorts of conclusions based on limited information. It is helpful to hear the comments from the victim. CSULB is a wonderful and supportive campus.

csulb student
Colle is a lazy teacher who you see which I had for Comm 110 last semester. All he would do is come to class smelling like cigratees, bitch about the cross guard at his son school and talk about his son,girlfriend and also about Disneyland every class meeting. He once said, "that one and every 10 transgenders will be attack". How Ironic?

Richard
Hello Colle is not a lazy teacher, he teaches comm 110 and is a good teacher. He always dresses professional and is he is just queer. Trust me he admitted that he was queer in a perception lesson in the fall 2009 semester.

R.I.P. Matt Sheppard
The crime committed against this person falls under federal jurisdiction. The FBI needs to be called in based on The Matthew Shepard Act, officially the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, is an Act of Congress, passed on October 22, 2009,[1] and was signed into law by President Barack Obama on October 28, 2009,[2] as a rider to the National Defense Authorization Act for 2010 (H.R. 2647). This measure expands the 1969 United States federal hate-crime law to include crimes motivated by a victim's actual or perceived gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.[3] The bill also: * removes the prerequisite that the victim be engaging in a federally-protected activity, like voting or going to school; * gives federal authorities greater ability to engage in hate crimes investigations that local authorities choose not to pursue; * provides $5 million per year in funding for fiscal years 2010 through 2012 to help state and local agencies pay for investigating and prosecuting hate crimes; * requires the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to track statistics on hate crimes against transgender people (statistics for the other groups are already tracked).[4] The Act is the first federal law to extend legal protections to transgender persons.[5]

JJ
Does anyone question the validity of this story? I don't buy it. I think the police were suspicious of a hoax too. I hope Im wrong but this story has HOAX written all over it.

What?
paul your clever what a play on words. YOU IDIOT

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LBPOST.com Managing Editor Ryan ZumMallen keeps up on all the current and breaking Long Beach news.

Ryan ZumMallen has served as the managing editor of the LBPOST.com since 2007. He graduated from CSULB with a degree in Print Journalism in 2008 and is a member of the 2009 class of Leadership Long Beach. You can find him on various basketball courts around the city.

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