ISU students excused

Illinois State University officials gave students the option of skipping class Friday, after more threatening graffiti appeared on the Normal campus overnight. An increased police presence on campus also continued Friday, according to ISU President Al Bowman. The graffiti was similar to a message scrawled Wednesday on a dormitory toilet paper dispenser that read "ISU is the next NIU," an ISU spokesman said. "Understandably, many students remain nervous," Bowman wrote in a letter to students. "Students who wish to remain in their residence halls and apartments will not be penalized for missing class." Some faculty members chose to cancel classes Friday, an ISU spokesman said. Campus police continue to investigate. The vandal faces expulsion, a spokesman said.