As faculty, staff and students at California State University Bakersfield (CSUB) and members of the CSUB LGBTQ+ PRIDE Faculty & Staff Affinity group, we are deeply disturbed and outraged by a recent incident involving Mike Duncan, an employee of CSUB Athletics. Last week, Mike was filmed physically assaulting a gay couple in the parking lot of a Walmart. The encounter was posted on Instagram by @lourdasprec. Not only did Mike Duncan commit this heinous act, but his accomplices helped him escape without facing immediate consequences.

This violent act sends an extremely harmful message to our students, athletes, staff and faculty - especially those who identify as LGBTQ+. It is unacceptable that someone who is part of our institution could perpetrate such violence against members of the community we serve. In addition, this hateful homophobic violent attack by Mike Duncan does not align with CSUB's values of diversity, equity, and inclusion which all CSUB employees should uphold. 

We demand that Mike Duncan be held accountable for his actions. He should be fired from his position at CSUB immediately. Furthermore, his accomplices who were with him during this incident and assisted in his escape must also face consequences for their involvement.

Homophobia has no place in our society or on our campus. We strive to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels safe and respected regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

By signing this petition you are standing up against homophobia and demanding justice for the victims of this assault. You are sending a clear message to CSUB Athletics & administration that we will not tolerate hate crimes within our community.

Please sign this petition today to demand accountability from Mike Duncan and those involved in this homophobic attack.

The following includes text from a recent Instagram post by @lourdasprec, detailing what led up to the recorded homophobic attack by Mike Duncan and accomplices: 

@lourdasprec "me and my bf (boyfriend) went to walmart tuessday night to grab midnight snacks and there was these three men that was walking around us laughing and being homophobic, whispering & saying the most out of pocket things thinking we wouldn't hear it. we decided to leave before they cause a scene or did anything else." 

"we got in the truck and right as when we were about to leave they approached the truck and then this happens" [video]

"after we called the cops and explained everything, we had to go to the emergency room because he had a bloody nose and his upper gums were bleeding & chipped a tooth in his mouth, he felt so lightheaded and almost passed out on the way there but luckily he didnt" 

"we haven't received a call or any updates from the cops... but we did find out who this man was and the school he's employed to and the school/director of athletic's social media" [video]

To view the video on Instagram go to: https://www.instagram.com/lourdasprec/