Rochester, N.Y. — The University of Rochester Department of Public Safety is investigating hateful graffiti found in a River Campus tunnel.
According to a letter sent to students Tuesday, swastikas with antisemitic language were found written on tunnel walls Friday. They were promptly removed.
The letter, signed by university Vice President for Equity and Inclusion Adrienne Morgan and Vice President for Student Life John Blackshear, said hate will not be tolerated on U of R property.
Historically, the tunnels have offered students a convenient way to travel through campus and to share news about activities and events and to express support for one another and the many cultures and identities that make up our community. The tradition of tunnel painting is part of what makes Rochester a special place to live and study, and we are saddened that anyone would use the tunnels to express hatred. The goal of such vandalism is to intimidate other members of our community and to prevent them from feeling as if they can fully participate in the life of campus. As a community, we cannot allow that to happen.
We welcome difficult discussions and debates about challenging topics on campus, but with the expectation that we will engage in such discussions with respect for one another and the viewpoints and experiences that each of us brings.
Hate speech and other harmful actions have no home at the University of Rochester.
Anyone with information on the vandalism is asked to contact DPS at (585) 275-3333.