Temple University investigating racist fliers

Temple University police on Thursday were investigating the posting around campus of three fliers promoting a racist message apparently targeting lingering animosities from the 2016 Democratic primary fight for president.

"This is disgusting, hateful, and has no place on our campus," said Temple spokesman Ray Betzner.

"Temple police are reviewing video footage and seeking witnesses who may have seen something," Betzner said, adding that university officials met with students late Thursday afternoon to hear their concerns.

The crudely printed fliers stated: "Hey you stupid N— Bernie would have won if it wasn't for you. Seriously, f— you all. This is all your fault."

The message refers to the bitter primary contest between Sen. Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton and the assertion that Sanders would have defeated Donald Trump in the general election. African American voters largely favored Clinton.

The first public report about the fliers came from a Temple student on Wednesday.

The national NAACP tweeted in response to the racism in the message: "Students should never have to face this type of hatred!"

In a statement, the Temple University Progressive NAACP said it was "sad that we have to address something of this nature once again, but this is our reality."

Tyrell Mann-Barnes, student body president, said on his Twitter account that "it is imperative we fight hate, racism, bigotry, and intolerance every time we see it."

Temple College Democrats also condemned the fliers.

"It is with heavy hearts that the Temple College Democrats must address another exhibition of hate speech on our campus. We recognize this rhetoric for what it is: racist and intolerant. This incident rests upon a much more systemic issue, one that only becomes increasingly normalized the longer we fail to take action," the organization said.