UVI Student Sues Over Campus Attack, Claims Two-Hour Security Delay

A student employed at the University of the Virgin Islands has filed a negligence lawsuit against the institution following an attack on its St. Thomas campus, claiming that security personnel failed to arrive in a timely manner when called for assistance.

On December 22, 2025, Malcolm Joseph was closing the Wellness Center at UVI's Orville E. Kean Campus. Working the evening shift, Joseph called campus security around 8 p.m. requesting an officer be present for the mandatory security check before he locked up for the night. His father was already outside waiting to collect him.

According to the complaint filed in V.I. Superior Court, the security response did not come until approximately 9:50 p.m. Joseph states that only one unarmed officer showed up, whereas protocol normally called for two officers during closing procedures.

Shortly after the officer arrived, Joseph exited the building carrying towels destined for the gymnasium. Two assailants then attacked him, leaving him injured and robbed of personal property.

The lawsuit characterizes the incident as part of a larger pattern of security failures at the university. The complaint references a female student allegedly attacked at a dormitory on March 23, 2025, and another female student allegedly robbed of jewelry two days later. A third robbery behind the campus library is also mentioned in the filing, occurring after Joseph's December attack.

Joseph's legal team argues that UVI breached its duty to maintain safe premises and protect those lawfully present on campus from foreseeable criminal acts. The complaint alleges the university failed to deploy sufficient security staff, establish and enforce adequate safety protocols, train security personnel properly, oversee campus security management, and inspect the grounds for hazardous conditions.

UVI publicly advertises 24-hour security operations and evening escort services for students, faculty and staff on request.

Following the attack, several university leaders reached out to Joseph. Athletic Director Karen Carty called around December 25, and President Dr. Safiya George also spoke with him. Chief of Security Theodore Glasford contacted Joseph and his mother as well. On January 12, Glasford informed Joseph that video of the attack existed but refused to share it, stating it was too graphic.

Through his attorney John P. Fischer, Joseph is seeking compensatory damages to be decided at trial, plus interest, court costs and legal fees. He is also requesting punitive damages and has demanded a jury trial.