The Bradley University Police Department is investigating an alleged hate crime on Bradley’s campus.
According to the department, a person spray painted graffiti at various locations on campus between 3:45 a.m. and 4:22 a.m.
Bradley President Stephen Standifird said in an email to the campus community that the graffiti was targeted towards members of the Jewish community.
“These acts are completely against the fabric of who we are as a University,” Standifird said. “Bradley University has no tolerance for acts of bias, hatred, violence or intimidation toward any member of our community. Regardless of how you identify, this is a place you should feel safe. Those responsible will be found and held accountable.”
This comes at a time when reports of similar incidents against the Jewish and Muslim communities increasing nationwide at a time when domestic tensions over the Gaza conflict are high. Earlier this week, WEEK-TV reported about anti-Muslim graffiti at a CityLink bus stop in Peoria. The U.S Department of Education is also launching a probe into K-12 and higher education institutions over the alleged rise in incidents on campuses around the nation.
Courtesy of the Bradley University Police Department
“AEPi Supports Genocide” was spraypainted outside Bradley Hall. That refers to Alpha Epsilon Pi, which has a fraternity house on Fredonia Ave. That building was also vandalized. Workers were powerspraying the graffiti off the house Friday afternoon.
Alpha Epsilon Pi International CEO Rob Derdiger said what happened at Bradley is one of just dozens of examples. The group called on Bradley University administration and university higher-ups around the country to redouble efforts to protect Jewish students and institutions, and expel students violating the university’s code of conduct.
“Anything less is unacceptable. It is no longer time for words. It is time for action to protect Jewish students,” Derdiger said.
Police are asking anyone with information to contact the Bradley University Police Department at (309) 677-2000 or the Peoria Police Department at (309) 673-4521. Reports can also be filed anonymously through tip 411 or Crime Stoppers at (309) 673-9000.
The Bradley Police Department said there is not an imminent threat to the campus. Bradley students are on spring break this week.