Ohio college remains open in face of racial threat

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Students enter Hocking Heights residence hall at Hocking College Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2010, in Nelsonville, Ohio. Two black students have withdrawn from the Ohio technical college and several others plan to miss class after a message scrawled in a dormitory bathroom made a racial threat. The message found Friday in a men’s residence hall at Hocking College said black students would be killed on Feb. 2. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

NELSONVILLE, Ohio (AP) — The president of an Ohio technical college is spending a few days living in a dorm where graffiti warned black students would be killed Tuesday.

Spokeswoman Judy Sinnott says Hocking College President Ron Erickson and his wife are staying in Hocking Heights during the scare. They hope their presence reassures students.

The message was found scrawled on a bathroom wall more than a week ago. It is being investigated by campus police and the FBI.

The threat led at least two black students to withdraw from school and others to move out of the dorm. Erickson pledged better security, police and counselors.

Sinnott says Hocking College is kicking off a “We Are One Hocking” diversity campaign at 7 p.m. Tuesday with a walk, a candlelight service and a peace monument dedication.