Following a threat addressed by NIU Sunday night, the university has been closed Monday. Final exams scheduled to take place Monday will now take place Friday.

An official NIU news release first was posted on the university’s Web site and e-mailed to all students at around 8 p.m. Sunday night, an indication of NIU’s priority on being forthcoming about the situation.

Though officials first said final exams would take place as scheduled, NIU later posted a message at 12:40 a.m. Monday saying the university would be closed entirely and exams would be rescheduled.

“Continuing concern over icy streets and sidewalks and poor travel conditions, coupled with concerns and questions related to the previously-released campus alert, has resulted in a decision to close the university on Monday, Dec. 10,” the posted message said. “Only essential service personnel should report to work on Monday. Students who must drive should continue to monitor weather conditions and exercise caution with respect to travel decisions.”

The anonymous threat was found Saturday night in a residence hall restroom. It contained a racial slur and referenced the Virginia Tech tragedy of last April.

Written in black ink on the wall of a women’s restroom in Grant Hall Tower D were the words “things will change most hastily,” in the final days of this semester.

Following were the words “Tell those n---ers to go home,” and “ME/OUT... Die Sem Burr 10th... Hmz Sdn. Cr.” It is believed to refer to “December 10” and “Holmes Student Center.”

Underlined letters within the message spelled out the word “WATCH.”

Another part of the message, in different handwriting, read “What time? The VA Tech shooters messed up w/ having only one shooter...”

University Police officials declined to comment on their role in the handling of the situation, explaining that all inquiries were to be directed to NIU Public Affairs.

President John Peters, Provost Ray Alden, Chief Donald Grady and other NIU officials gathered Sunday to address issues that may and will arise given the situation.

“My primary concern is for the safety of all members of our campus community, and to that end, we will err on the side of caution in all our actions,” NIU President John Peters was quoted as saying in the official news release. “We will not tolerate threats against individuals or groups, nor will we tolerate ‘hate speech’ of any type on this campus.”

Security in and around the residence halls, HSC and other campus buildings has been increased and the campus will remain under a security alert through the end of the semester, the news release said.

Earlier in the night, NIU posted a list of phone numbers the public could call for more information.

Anyone wanting to speak with a staff member may do so by dialing any of these five numbers beginning at 7:30 a.m. Monday:

• 815-753-1573
• 815-753-1585
• 815-753-6257
• 815-753-6143
• 815-753-1574

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