‘White Student Union’ page sparks reaction at Portland State

As racial tensions continue escalating at local colleges, students and staff at Portland State University are reacting to rumors of a White Student Union forming on campus. 

On Tuesday, a page for the alleged group promoting white supremacist ideals surfaced on Facebook. But administrators say it's fake and similar pages have popped up across the country.

"We don't know exactly who's behind it or who's promoting it," said John Fraire, Vice President of Enrollment and Student Affairs. "But I can assure you they are not a recognized student organization, nor would they ever be."

PSU leaders tried to get Facebook to shut the page down, but they could only remove the university's logo. Fraire says the hateful sentiments will not be tolerated.

"In no uncertain terms, we oppose all forms of racism and any form of bigotry and discrimination on campus."

The Facebook page comes one week after racist posts related to Lewis and Clark College showed up online. Then last Friday, a black student was attacked there. As a female, black activist, PSU student Olivia Pace says she has every reason to be afraid.

"We have a very small black population like Lewis and Clark does. So when I see it, it frightens me."

PSU Student Union members are already planning protests. In a mass email, they say administrators addressed the Facebook page, but didn't do enough to denounce it. 

Pace says they need to acknowledge the potential danger involved and react accordingly.

"As a student of color and an activist, I have not felt protected by the administration of this school."