Larniecia Smith, a former Marquette University Residence Hall Director, is no longer working at Mashuda Hall. Smith confirmed her departure — which took place in April — to the Marquette Wire in a recent interview.
Smith began as a hall director in Mashuda at the beginning of the 2024-2025 school year and worked in the role until her departure, which was her choice, she said.
She cited “patterns of racialized suspicion and questioning” that were not applied to other employees.
“I began to notice that the grace, support and trust I had at the beginning were not extended to me in the same way as time went on,” she told the Wire.
The root of her negative experience began in September 2024, she said, when a petition surfaced to have her removed from her role at Mashuda. She was told the university wouldn’t take action to remove the petition, which has 75 signatures as of May 13.
In January 2025, Smith told the Wire, she notified the university human resources department of the petition and resulting instances of social media mockery, such as false TikTok accounts. Following her report, she said, her work environment changed and she began to be treated differently.
“I experienced patterns of racialized suspicion that were not applied to my peers. I was questioned in ways others were not questioned. And when I raised concerns, the environment around me changed instead of improving,” Smith told the Wire.
Smith’s profile no longer exists on the residence life staff list. According to internet archives, she was last confirmed to be included on the list in January.
The Wire reached out to numerous resident assistants, desk receptionists and residents in Mashuda Hall, all of whom declined to comment. The Wire contacted University Spokesperson Kevin Conway and Senior Director of Residence Life Mary Janz, both of whom said they were unable to provide comment on personnel matters.
The Wire also reached out to formerly employed Mashuda Hall resident assistants and either didn’t receive a response or was denied a request to interview.
This story was written by Lilly Peacock. She can be reached at [email protected].
This story was updated to include more information.
