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Brianna Brochu, 18, was arrested on Saturday and charged with third-degree criminal mischief and second-degree breach of peace, but police are now asking the court to add a charge of intimidation based on bigotry or bias, NBC Connecticut reported. University of Hartford President Greg Woodward said in a statement that Brochu is no longer a student at the school and will not be returning.
Brochu is accused of tampering with her former roommate's possessions by spitting in her coconut oil and putting moldy clam dip in her lotion, as well as putting used tampons in her backpack and sticking the roommate's toothbrush where "the sun don't shine," according to NBC Connecticut. The roommate told police and shared on Facebook that Brochu had posted pictures of the incidents on Instagram, according to NBC Connecticut.
The roommate also told police that she suffered from severe throat pain, which she suspected may have been a result of Brochu's actions, NBC Connecticut reported.
In his statement, Woodward said that the incident has brought about accusations of racism, and said "I want you to know that I hear and share your anger and frustration. Acts of racism, bias, bullying, or other abusive behaviors will not be tolerated on this campus. I pledge to do everything in my power to work with our community to address related concerns together."
In one of her Instagram posts after the roommate moved out, Brochu celebrated getting rid of "Jamaican Barbie," according to the Hartford Courant. Brochu told police that her roommate was rude and created a hostile environment, and posted Snapchat videos of her sleeping, the Hartford Courant reported.
In a brief appearance in court on Wednesday, Brochu was ordered to stay away from the University of Hartford and to not have contact with the roommate, according to the Hartford Courant.
Woodward said in a statement that he has met with students, including representatives from the Student Government Association and multicultural organizations, as well as with the roommate and her family.
"We will continue to offer support and assistance to her, as well as any other student that feels threatened, victimized, or uncomfortable on our campus. Let me repeat; racism and hatred will not be tolerated on this campus," Woodward said.
Click here to read the NBC Connecticut story, and click here to read the Hartford Courant story.
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