POTSDAM -- SUNY Potsdam University Police say the most recent threat against a minority professor was “very similar in nature” to the two made against the same professor in the spring.

University Police said they continue to develop leads into this investigation and analyze evidence.

"Evidence suggests that this latest threat is very similar in nature to the two previous hate notes discovered last spring, in form and content,” police said. “As you may recall, these notes were slid under a professor's door. This third note was also slid under the same door, and was discovered by faculty members on the afternoon of November 24.”

They say the third message included “specific heinous threats against [Prof. John Youngblood] and [his] family. In addition, it specifically targeted students of color and LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) students.”

University Police said they cannot provide further details about the evidence at this time, so as not to jeopardize the ongoing investigation.

On Monday and Tuesday, black students en masse requested papers necessary for withdrawal then confronted the dean of students in a demonstration against what they see as an inadequate response to the latest threat.

“There have been no increases in the number of withdrawal requests over the past week,” school spokesperson Alexandra Jacobs Wilke said. “In addition, we do have a new process for students who do not feel safe to be able to return home and finish classes in a different way (online or written exams, papers, etc.). They can request this through the Provost’s Office.”

The governor's office has authorized two New York state troopers to be assigned to the campus until further notice, and Potsdam Village Police has also increased patrols of campus.

“SUNY Potsdam is speeding up the planned installation of security cameras across campus, and contractors have begun the process of installing cameras in high-priority areas,” univerisity police said.

On Nov. 11, university police charged former student Amjad Hussain with two counts of felony harassment as a hate crime.

“If Mr. Hussain is seen on or around campus property, he will be immediately arrested for violating the order of protection,” police said.

University Police seek assistance that students, faculty, staff and surrounding community members can provide to help in the investigation. They urge anyone with additional information 267-2222.

“As always, we recognize that campus safety is a partnership between University Police and the community. UP would like to thank the entire campus community for their outpouring of support in these trying times,” police said. “University Police truly appreciates the well-organized student demonstrations that have taken place in recent days, and looks forward to continuing an ongoing dialogue with the student body.”

SUNY Potsdam University Police re assisted in this investigation by SUNY Canton University Police, Potsdam Village Police, New York State Police and Homeland Security. In addition, the New York State University Police Commissioner has authorized personnel from SUNY Canton, SUNY Plattsburgh, SUNY Oswego, Upstate Medical Center and the University at Albany to supplement SUNY Potsdam University Police patrols.

The Night Guides continue to be available upon request. Through the end of the semester, any student can request to have a team of Night Guides accompany them to their campus destination or off-campus student housing. In addition to this, Night Guides are walking campus each evening, and will be stationed at high-traffic areas to assist students. University Police will have a uniformed officer stationed at the library every evening until closing. To request a Night Guide, UP at 267-2222.

SUNY Potsdam has 28 functioning Blue Light phones and many Red Phones, with a direct line to UP.