Article Originally Published Here
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – A University of New Mexico (UNM) security officer has admitted to vandalizing a student’s gay pride flags, sparking a lawsuit against the university for failing to provide protection.
Ben Gerstner and his friends began placing gay pride flags outside their offices in the school’s biology building nearly two years ago. However, their flags were repeatedly torn down, often accompanied by offensive messages such as “aids spreader” and “pedo,” reports KOAT. The vandalism persisted for about a year, with the flags being destroyed shortly after being displayed. In one instance, an American flag replaced Gerstner’s pride flag. Additionally, homophobic slurs were written on a sign posted on his door.
After enduring these acts for a year, Gerstner and his attorney filed a complaint with UNM. Three months later, a Ring camera installed by the school captured footage of someone in a red UNM security jacket and a mask vandalizing another of Gerstner’s flags.
When UNM officials questioned security officers who were on duty during the incident, one officer confessed and subsequently resigned. No charges have been filed against him.
Gerstner and his attorney have since filed a lawsuit against UNM, alleging the university’s failure to protect him.
These incidents at UNM occur amidst a nationwide increase in hate crimes against the LGBTQ+ community since 2015. According to the FBI, anti-LGBTQ+ hate crimes rose by nearly 14% in 2022 compared to the previous year. The rise was even more pronounced in K-12 schools, particularly in states that have enacted anti-LGBTQ+ laws, where reported LGBTQ+ hate crimes were more than four times higher.
