Backlash against California State University of Bakersfield following viral video of assault

Police – Accident – Death – Obituary News : California State University of Bakersfield (CSUB) is facing significant backlash on social media following a viral video out of Wyoming that shows a man punching another person. The video, which was taken on November 7, gained attention when the creator alleged that the man in the video was employed by CSUB. The creator based this claim on a photo found on the university’s website. However, CSUB has since responded, stating that this information is inaccurate.

In the video, the man approaches a couple and allegedly makes homophobic remarks. The driver of the vehicle responds through the window before the assault takes place. At the end of the video, screenshots from CSUB’s website are shown with the alleged assailant.

Upon the video’s circulation on social media, many people called on CSUB to take action against the alleged employee. The university initially shared a statement, acknowledging the video and stating that an investigation was underway. However, the school later issued another statement clarifying that they had confirmed the identity of the individual inaccurately identified as an employee of CSUB.

According to CSUB’s statement, the man had served the CSUB baseball program in an unpaid, advisory capacity for a brief period in the early spring of this year. The statement also emphasized that his volunteer efforts on behalf of the team had come to an end. Despite this clarification, some students at CSUB expressed disappointment in the school’s response, calling for stronger action.

Reyna Sarabia, a freshman at CSUB and a member of the Gay-Straight Alliance on campus, described the incident as “derogatory and disrespectful to the community.” Another student, Jaylyn Fray, a junior at CSUB, expressed the importance of how the school handles the situation, saying that it will determine whether or not the campus has a voice.

CSUB reiterated that the confusion caused by the webpage showing the alleged assailant was an oversight. The university made it clear that the man had never been employed by CSUB and that his association with the school had ended long before the incident.

Armando Estrada, a sixth-year student at CSUB receiving their teaching credential, expressed contentment with how the school handled the situation, stating that they were not surprised that the information on the webpage was out of date. The school’s Director of Athletics, Kyle Condor, also added to the statement, emphasizing that the incident does not define CSUB Athletics, its culture, or its community. Condor stated that the program is rooted in respect, integrity, and inclusion.

As the backlash continues on social media, CSUB is likely to face ongoing scrutiny and pressure to address the incident. The university’s response and actions moving forward will be closely observed, as it will determine how the campus community perceives the school’s commitment to inclusivity and addressing incidents of discrimination..