Christian School Says Students Admit Drawing Swastikas, 'White Power' In Snow
GRAND RAPIDS (WWJ/AP) - Calvin College says two students have admitted to writing racist statements and symbols in snow that had fallen on several cars.
Students at the Christian liberal arts college in Grand Rapids reported finding statements such as "white power" and a swastika on Sunday. In letters to students and faculty, school President Michael Le Roy says such hateful statements "have no place at Calvin College."
"These actions cause many members of our community to feel fear and worry," Le Roy said. "This bias-related act has violated the trust that is implicit in a community like ours that demands dignity, respect, and civility."
Hundreds of people turned out Monday for discussion and prayer at the school's chapel. Le Roy asked people to forgive the students responsible and grow from the experience.
The school says a video surveillance system helped investigators identify the students responsible. Le Roy says the students will now face discipline.
"While we do not know the motive of those who did this, hateful acts such as these violate the image of God and dignity of all people, provide living proof of the sin and brokenness we experience in human community," said Le Roy.
The names of the students aren't being released and the disciplinary cases are confidential.
"In accordance with Calvin's Safer Spaces policy this is an instance of misconduct," said Le Roy. "The investigation will now move through our student disciplinary process."
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