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Letters appearing to be from Ku Klux Klan mailed to UW-Milwaukee

Posted at 10:23 PM, Oct 05, 2017
and last updated 2017-10-06 19:16:29-04

The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee received mail appearing to be from the Ku Klux Klan.

The letter has a distinct KKK marking on the top.  Inside a message that read in part, "Recently we have come under extreme fire for being a hate group.  This couldn't be further from the truth."

It goes on to say, "Only those who live in ignorance call us hateful."

"It's pretty wild," said Sam Goodreau, a UWM sophomore.

"They're trying to make it positive for some reason and that's not what it's been for years even now," said Quenita Ford, a junior. 

Students were shocked to learn such a letter would be sent to UWM.

"I have no idea why this would be the place they chose to do that," said Sam Goodreau, sophomore.

The university received two copies of a letter appearing to be from the KKK.  The school said one was addressed to the Journalism, Advertising, and Media Studies Department.  The other was sent to the student newspaper. 

"Crazy that we have people that are like that still," said Austin Paquette, a senior.

"They're not welcome where I am," said Maria Robbins, a sophomore. 

In a statement UWM said:

"The content of this letter is abhorrent to us. Diversity and inclusion are among UWM’s core values. We reject claims of racial superiority and stand firmly in support of a diverse campus that welcomes people of all races and religions."

A similar letter was sent to UW-La Crosse.  A UWM spokesperson said it's possible other school's in the UW system also received letters.