The University has intervened after an unknown person chalked a message in the Brickyard indicating that a Ku KluxKlan meeting would take place there Wednesday night.

The Ku Klux Klan, or KKK, is a group typically associated with overt racismand oppression of minorities.

James Hankins, a senior in political science,said he was concerned when he found out about the chalking incident.

“Whether it was a joke or serious I was concerned that something like this would happen on campus,” Hankins said. “If itwere a joke I don’t know what the motivation behind it would be.”

Since it is not a criminal issue, Capt. Jon Barnwell of Campus Police said officers reported it to the University, but if students organize in the Brickyard withouta permit, police will enforce campus rules and force them to disperse.

Liz Thornton, catering coordinator for Campus Activities, said as of Monday afternoon, no one had requested a Brickyard permit for the Klan to meet Wednesday.

Unless someone from a group applies for and receives a Brickyard permit, the group cannotmeet in the Brickyard.

If the group did have a permit, it would be allowed to meet because the activity is a free speech issue, Paul Cousins, director ofthe Office of Student Conduct, said.

“We’re not in the business of censorship here,” he said. While some might considermessages from preachers that speak in the Brickyard to be offensive, they are protected by free speech, he said.

“We’ve certainly had controversial things happen on the Brickyard before,” Cousinssaid.

Jose Picart, vice provost for diversity and inclusion, said even if the meeting appliesto free speech rules, it is offensive.

“I’m disappointed it happened on campus,” he said. “It’s a sad thing. In my opinion, it’s a hateful act.”

Picart said the act was obviously racist.

“Any reference to meetings and/or gatherings of the KKK is trying to intimidate or createfear,” he said. “I’m personally offendedby it.”

Barnwell said one of the issues in higher education is that the University must respect peoples’ rights to free speech, even in occasions like this.

“People have the freedom to express hemselves,” he said.

Hankins said he does not believe groups like the KKK should be given permits to meet on campus.

“The KKK is a terrorist organization and should be treated as such,” he said. “A KKK rally could present a clear and presentdanger to people on campus.”