Update:
A Clark biology instructor who returned to teach her class Monday after being assaulted outside of the Science Building one evening last week has a message for students.
Don’t let fear rule you.
Adjunct faculty Rachel Glaeser, who sustained a fractured nose and other injuries from being struck by an unknown assailant, said Wednesday during an interview with the Indy that she has no reason to believe a disgruntled student assaulted her. Nor does she conclude the attack, which took place on the eve of Election Day, was a political statement or reaction.
“This kind of thing could happen at any time,” said Glaeser who was struck at 6:28 p.m., according to Safety and Security Director Nikki Barone.
Glaeser said during her interview that she had gathered materials for a subsequent laboratory session and was leaving the supply room near her classroom when she was struck.The instructor said the assailant swore at her before striking her and then fled.
Another faculty member, Glaeser said, saw the assailant fleeing and called security.While Glaeser said she wants students to know that they shouldn’t be fearful, the assault did reinforce the importance of being aware of one’s surroundings.
A faculty member was assaulted at approximately 6:45 p.m. Monday in front of the Science building, according to Vancouver Police Department spokesperson Kim Kapp.
The instructor, who the Independent is not identifying for the victim’s safety, sustained a broken nose and fractured occipital bone, said Vice President of Instruction Tim Cook.
Cook said the instructor intends to return on Monday.
Kapp said the identity of the assailant remains unknown, but the victim described the assailant as a 20-year-old white male, 5 feet 9 inches tall and wearing a dark, long-sleeve shirt and dark pants.
Director of Security Nikki Barone said the victim did not recognize the assailant as a student and if he was the victim’s student, he is not a current student.
Barone said students and faculty can sign up for the mobile alert service “RAVE” to get emails and text alerts from security about potentially dangerous situations on campus. It is free to sign up at getrave.com by using a student login to create an account.
According to Barone, over 1,800 Clark students, faculty and staff are already using the service.
