A freshman at the University of Hartford in West Hartford, Connecticut has been slapped with a hate crime due to behavior against her former roommate. Brianna Rae Brochu, 18, bragged in a now deleted Instagram post about secretly terrorizing her roommate, which included rubbing a used tampon across one of her bags. Brochu is white and her roommate Jazzy Roe is black.
Since news of Brochu’s behavior has been made public, University of Hartford President Greg Woodward called Brochu’s conduct “reprehensible.”
“It is clear there is work to be done at our University to ensure that all students feel safe, respected, and valued. The conversations that began with student groups, faculty, and staff yesterday are going to continue and involve our full community,” Woodward said.
Brochu is no longer a student at the university, and is prohibited from stepping foot on campus or contacting Roe, according to a judge order. West Hartford police are asking that the charge of of intimidation based on bigotry or bias also be added to the charge of peace and criminal mischief case.
On Oct. 17, Rowe was moving out of her apartment she shared with Brochu when Brochu asked if she was leaving. It was then Brochu took to social media to brag about all the things she did to force her roommate out. Rowe’s resident assistant who after screen grabbing Brochu’s post made Rowe aware.
“Finally did it yo girl got rid of her roommate!! After 1 ½ month of spitting in her coconut oil, putting moldy clam dip in her lotions… putting her toothbrush places where the sun doesn’t shine, and so much more I can finally say goodbye Jamaican Barbie.”
I literally have no words for this…#JusticeForJazzy pic.twitter.com/KNGFrIS4Sp
— Blake ⛽️ (@hasaniblakejr) October 31, 2017
Jazzy Roe took to Twitter to create a video speaking about her experience and quickly “JusticeForJazzy” began to trend.
That roommate could’ve killed Jazzy. And she’ll do it again to another black person unless true justice is served. #JusticeForJazzy
— BlackGirlinTheRing ∞ (@ShellieLovee) October 31, 2017
Briana Brochu was sent to college as a racist & her parents should now watch her go to prison as one. This is a hate crime! #JusticeForJazzy
— Andrea Roberts (@MadMik2014) November 1, 2017
Briana Brochu is repulsive and evil. She needs to be charged with multiple hate crimes and given a lengthy prison sentence. #JusticeforJazzy
— Laura Miers (@LauraMiers) November 1, 2017
During her brief court appearance Brochu remained silent in Hartford Community Court Wednesday morning (Nov. 1) Her case has been transferred to Hartford Superior Court where she will reappear before a judge Nov. 15