UVI Student Worker Sues University Over Campus Attack, Claims Security Failures

Malcolm Joseph, employed as a Front Desk Associate and student at the UVI Wellness Center, has taken legal action against the university following a violent robbery on December 22, 2025. Attorney John Fischer filed the complaint on September 22, arguing that institutional negligence left Joseph exposed to harm.

On the night of the incident, Joseph had completed the closing shift and notified campus security as protocol required. When he exited the Wellness Center carrying towels bound for the gym, only a single officer had arrived, contrary to the standard deployment of two. Two attackers dressed entirely in black then set upon him, striking his head with a blunt object. One assailant uttered the words "shoot him," according to the legal filing. The attackers made off with his iPhone, iPad, and jewelry.

The lawsuit contends that UVI operates under "a pattern and practice of providing inadequate security on the campus." The complaint references earlier incidents: a female student assaulted in her dormitory on March 23, 2025, and another female student robbed in the early hours of March 25, 2025, yet the university delayed issuing an amber alert until 5:26 p.m. that same day. A subsequent robbery occurred behind the library building after Joseph's assault, the filing notes.

UVI leadership responded to Joseph's case: President Safiya George and Athletic Director Karen Carty telephoned him on Christmas Day to convey concern. On January 12, Chief of Security Theodor Glasford met with Joseph and acknowledged that video documentation existed, but declined to share it, citing its "graphic" content.

Joseph seeks compensation for medical expenses and other damages stemming from the attack. The university's communications office, through spokeswoman Tamika Thomas Williams, stated on Tuesday that it had not yet received formal service of the lawsuit and was unaware of the filing until contacted by media. "If the University is formally served, it will review the matter and respond appropriately through legal counsel," the statement said.

The Virgin Islands Police Department released a statement two days after the December 24 robbery but has not issued subsequent updates on the investigation.