Muslim woman says she was spat on, threatened, and followed near University of Kentucky campus on Aug. 11

A University of Kentucky social work principal says she was spat on, threatened, and followed by a man near the university campus on Aug. 11, in an incident she described as frightening and disruptive.

Dr. Hoda Shalash told LEX18 that the man approached her, spat on her, and then made threats. She also said he followed her in the area near the University of Kentucky campus during the incident.

Shalash’s account centers on conduct she says included both a physical act and verbal intimidation, raising concerns about public safety in a high-traffic area used by students, faculty, and visitors.

The allegations come as universities across Kentucky continue to address safety and community-relations concerns, including threats made in public spaces and harassment reports that can affect students, staff, and surrounding neighborhoods.

LEX18 reported the story in connection with Shalash’s statements about the Aug. 11 incident. The report did not, in the information provided here, detail specific criminal charges, arrests, or investigative outcomes tied to the allegations.

University campus communities typically encourage people who experience harassment or threats to document the encounter and report it to appropriate authorities so investigators can determine whether video, witness accounts, or other evidence supports the claims.

If the case remains under investigation, the next steps would generally involve law enforcement review of the circumstances described, as well as any campus safety processes tied to reported threats near university property or related public areas.