Swastika found in Bucknell University residence hall
Nov. 2—LEWISBURG — A swastika recently found in a residence hall at Bucknell University led to "swift action" and a conduct process has concluded, President John Bravman said in a statement.
Antisemitic incidents and protests are cropping up on college campuses across the U.S. as Israel wages war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip in retaliation to the terrorist group's slaughter of 1,300 and kidnapping of more than 200 people in the surprise Oct. 7 attack in Israel.
A Cornell University student is facing federal charges for allegedly making violent threats against Jewish students and classes there are canceled Friday to "acknowledge the stress" the campus has been under.
The Biden administration is addressing the unrest on college campuses by having officials with the departments of Justice and Homeland Security work with campus law enforcement to track hate-related threats and provide federal resources to schools.
In his statement Wednesday, Bravman described the swastika found in the residence hall as an "abhorrent act of antisemitism ... Hateful speech, acts or symbols — directed toward any individual or group — have no place at Bucknell and will carry consequences. Let me be clear that these acts can create pain and fear in our community, and are totally unacceptable on this campus."
Citing the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, Bucknell spokesman Mike Ferlazzo declined to say whether more than one student was involved or what discipline was taken.
He said the incident involving the swastika was reported to campus Public Safety and a full investigation was done "which has not resulted in criminal charges at this time."
Ferlazzo noted there was a peace vigil on campus Oct. 11.
In his statement, Bravman said the swastika incident "is a sobering reminder that the Bucknell community must stand firm in its unequivocal commitment to the critical work of combating hate and discrimination. While the university champions freedom of expression, we swiftly and seriously address all allegations of speech or actions motivated by hate."
There have been no reports of antisemitic incidents or protests at Susquehanna University since the war in Israel began.
"Regarding antisemitic acts happening on some college campuses, Susquehanna University unequivocally condemns any acts that spread hate or cause fear," said María L. O. Muñoz, Susquehanna's interim Chief Inclusion and Diversity Officer and associate history professor.
The school's Division for Access, Equity and Belonging has and will continue to hold in-person gatherings for students, faculty, and staff to "acknowledge how overwhelming and frightening events in Israel and Gaza are for members of our campus community," she said, and "staff are making themselves available to support students individually as needed."
Muñoz added that Susquehanna regularly hosts programs aimed at combatting hate and racism and promoting social justice.
"We fulfill our mission by supporting students as they try to navigate the complex issues we are encountering as a pluralistic, global community," she said.
