News

Brief: Associate Dean’s car vandalized in light of red zone fallout

After Ben Williams’ car was keyed last week, a TUPD investigation is underway.

Diya Contractor, Managing Editor • September 22, 2025 • 805 Views

Associate Dean of Students Benjamin Williams’ car was keyed on Wednesday evening, Williams confirmed to the Trinitonian on Saturday. An unknown person carved the letters “F U” into the car’s passenger side. Williams wrote to the Trinitonian in a Google Chat statement that it was possible but “unlikely” to be unrelated to the recent commotion caused by Trinity’s extension of the dry recruitment period.

Since the dry recruitment announcement on Sept. 14, Williams has received many forms of harassment. Someone leaked his number, and blocked numbers called and left voice messages. Churches known for anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric also called Williams claiming that he had asked for more information — but he told the Trinitonian he hadn’t.

Williams declined to give a comment since his car was keyed, but did say that conversations regarding the policy and its fallout are still going productively.

“I will never stop supporting this community or what it can be,” Williams wrote to the Trinitonian. “Whether that’s in spite of damage to my personal property, attacks on my weight or appearance, calls for me to be fired, or someone needing to yell at me, I’ll always stand willing and ready to engage in conversation and dialogue on how we can work towards being the best in any and every area.”

Jessica Edonick, Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students, also wrote to the Trinitonian that she was “deeply concerned and disheartened.”

“Acts of vandalism and cruelty do not reflect the principles of the University nor the values of the chapters within the FSL community. They have no place at all in our community,” Edonick wrote. “I have had great pride in our entire student community and how we have worked together to engage in tough conversations with integrity, professionalism, and care. These incidents, however, have really challenged this perspective.”

Edonick and Williams both confirmed that this incident has been reported to TUPD and is now under active investigation.

*This story is a follow up to “Red zone extension causes commotion.” Please continue to check The Trinitonian for updates as our reporting develops.

Donate to Trinitonian

$890

$1500

Contributed

Our Goal

We would greatly appreciate any amount you can offer to support student journalists at Trinity University! As one of few remaining weekly print student newspapers, we rely on the generosity of our audience to continue serving the community. Your contribution will enable us to continue delivering informative news to the student body and uphold our commitment to quality community journalism.

About the Contributor

Diya Contractor, Managing Editor

Hi there! I’m Diya (she/her), the Trinitonian’s managing editor for the 2025–2026 school year. I’m a senior studying political science and business. I’m so grateful for the chance to give back to the Trinity community by helping our staff of 50 publish thoughtful, unbiased coverage each week. While much of my time is devoted to our award-winning newspaper, I also serve as president of TU Rotaract, a collegiate chapter of Rotary International. The Trinitonian is more than just a paper; it’s the student body’s voice. We’re here to tell your stories, amplify your perspectives and spark conversations across campus. So if you’ve got something to say, we want to hear it — because at the end of the day, this paper is yours.