May 03, 2023

It is with a heavy heart that I inform you that two swastikas were found drawn on a whiteboard in an Apfelbaum Hall classroom this morning. Let us be clear: this is an antisemitic symbol of hate. Swastikas have long been used to terrorize Jewish people and promote a white supremacist agenda.

As I wrote in March, “Hate does not belong here! Bigotry, racism, sexism, and acts of prejudice toward others based upon their religion, their gender identity, or that of those they choose to love do not belong here.”

An investigation into this most recent incident and two previous reports is ongoing. If you have information about these acts of hate, please share it with Campus Safety or members of the Inclusive Excellence staff. A temporary sign will be placed in the classroom indicating that these hate symbols were found there, and training will be implemented to help us proactively address acts of antisemitism on our campus.

Many of you may be impacted by this news. If you need to talk, Counseling & Psychological Services, Inclusive Excellence, and faith leaders, Rabbi Mandel and Chaplain Kershner, are available.

Yours ever,
Jonathan D. Green
President