Bias Vandalism or Graffiti to Result in Immediate Suspension

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:

As we conclude the first month of the spring semester, it has become clear that a few individuals are intent on dividing our community and spreading fear through racist, anti-Semitic and bigoted vandalism and graffiti.

These acts are reprehensible.

These cowardly acts are difficult to police, given they are most often committed in places and spaces that we cannot reliably monitor due to personal privacy. That said, it is clear that we must take new and bold action to ensure that those who engage in this deplorable behavior are subject to real and immediate consequences.

Therefore, I am writing today to announce that, moving forward, any student who commits, engages in, assists or coordinates an act of bias vandalism or graffiti will be immediately suspended and removed from the University. Consistent with our student conduct process, these individuals will have the opportunity to appeal the suspension but will remain off campus until the case is resolved. Additionally, any student who witnessed, knows of or is complicit in protecting an individual who committed one of these hateful acts will also be held accountable.

We continue to investigate these cases vigorously with the support of the Syracuse Police, New York State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

I implore you: If you see something, speak up. If you know something, report it. If you yourself are responsible for one of these incidents, come forward.

Let me be clear: If you are someone inclined to spread hate, bigotry and fear on our campus, Syracuse University is not the place for you.

Sincerely,

Rob Hradsky, Ed.D.
Vice President for the Student Experience